From: Civitas [civitas@linkny.com]
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 10:35 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: "Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598" 

Tinkering with the genetic make-up of plants and animals 
and mixtures thereof is a colossal experiment with unknown 
outcomes.  It may, as its proponents claim, produce 
superior crops although the purported benefits have so far 
been elusive.

On the other hand, genetic engineerin (GE) has the potential 
to create problems such as food allergies, which can be fatal; 
plagues of herbicide-resistant weeds; the death of beneficial 
insects that pollinate our crops and keep pest species in check; 
and the destruction of essential soil organisms.

One of the most egregious products is milk from cows injected 
with bovine growth hormone, subjecting people to higher levels 
os insulin growth factor and stressing cows so that they require 
more antibiotics and have more pus in their milk.  With labeling 
denied them, people have no choice in the matter except to stop
drinking milk if they wish to avoid this genetically engineered 
(GE) product.

This technology has been slyly foisted on American 
consumers wthout their consent through collusion between 
government agencies and companies with a vested interest 
in promoting their GE products.

This is scandalous!  At the very least GE products should 
be labeled to protect the allergy-prone and to give all 
consumers the knowledge they need to choose what foods 
they consume. 

Respectfully submitted,

Bina Robinson
PO Box 26 
Swain NY 14884