From: sunsilver@earthlink.net Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2001 9:01 PM To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov Subject: Oppose FDA's New Regulations on Genetically Engineered Food Mark & Kathleen Sciscenti & Potter 1225 Calle La Mirada Santa Fe, NM 87505 sunsilver@earthlink.net RE: Docket No. 00N-1396, and 00D-1598 Dear FDA, I am outraged by your new policies on genetically engineered (GE) foods. Despite overwhelming consumer demand, your agency still fails to require safety testing and mandatory labeling for GE foods. Your "notification" policy is an insult to consumers, and irresponsibly ignores strong scientific evidence of numerous potential health and environmental risks to GE foods. You should be aware that these foods could be toxic, could cause allergic responses, could have lower nutrition value, could compromise immune responses in consumers, and could cause irreparable damage to the environment. I am also greatly opposed to your new "voluntary labeling" policy, which denies consumers a basic right to know. Without mandatory labeling, neither consumers nor health professionals will know if an allergic or toxic reaction was the result of a genetically engineered food. Consumers will also be deprived of the critical knowledge they need to hold food producers liable should any of these novel foods prove hazardous. I am also outraged at your recent statments on the interview done on 60 minutes 2 where you stated that contrary to public belief, you and your organization are not liable to the wishes of the American Public. Hello? The FDA, your salary and the US government are paid for by the taxes of the American Public. You Are beholded to the wishes of Americans, not to Corporations! The US Government is of the people, by the people, and For the People! When we want you to listen and move on our wishes, you better D___ well do so! Your proposed rules ignore serious concerns, and appear to be a decision made to convenience industry at the expense of public health and the environment. I will not accept your attempt to make me a guinea pig of these untested foods, and I trust you will take my concern along with the thousands of others into serious consideration. Sincerely, Mark Sciscenti Mark & Kathleen Sciscenti & Potter