From: samurideli@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 5:11 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: What's in your food? (FDA Dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598)


Dear Corporate and Government Leaders,

Neither government nor industry is protecting Americans from the risks posed to human health and the environment by genetically engineered (GE) foods. The Food and Drug Administration's "new" policy on GE foods (proposed January 18, 2001) continues to let the biotech industry regulate itself; it fails to require the long-term, pre-market safety testing demanded by independent experts. The "voluntary labeling" guidelines are a wholly inadequate response to the overwhelming public support for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. Therefore, I urge you to keep all genetically engineered ingredients and crops off the market unless:

1) Independent safety testing demonstrates they have no harmful effects on human health or the environment, 

2) They are labeled to ensure the consumer's right-to-know, and 

3) The biotechnology corporations that manufacture them are held accountable for any harms they may cause.


Mr. Entis made the statement that  "People do have a general understanding that much of their food is genetically engineered", I beleive that this is far from the truth.   If you asked the average american if their food was genetically engineered, it is my belief that most of them would not know what you were talking about.  If ask which of the foods that they eat were genetically engineered , I would say 90% would tell you that none of it is.  I base this opinon on my personal talks with people who really don't understand what  "organic" is and how it differs from any other food.  As always, I am a believer in the right of every consumer to the power of information and education.  I certainly want to know if ANY of the food I eat is genetically engineered in any way. It is my right as a consumer to have access to all information about the food I put in my body and the bodies of my family.  A BIG YES to FULL DISCLOSURE LABELING.


Sincerely

Sena Rumage
P.O.Box 2671
Belleview, Florida 34421