From: William Clark [fieldsfarmer@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 11:17 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

My name is William Clark, Jr. and I live in Texas.  I
understand the FDA is taking comments on its proposed
rules for Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods.  Here are
my comments:

1.  I am believe the FDA should require mandatory
pre-market comprehensive environmental review.  While
"normal" pollutants cause limited amounts of damage,
changes in the gene pool could easily cause unlimited
damage.

2.  As a citizen, I am relying on the FDA to help
protect my health and that of my family by requiring
mandatory pre-market long-term health testing.  I am
against rushing this testing process.  I believe it is
the FDA's responsibility not to grant access to foods
which could be toxic and (right now) are only
voluntarily labeled!!  It is mandatory to list
contents and nutritional value so before GE products
should be marketed, the nutritional value should be
known.  This requires testing.  The biotech industry
must be made to respect the health and welfare of our
nations citizens by complying with long-term testing
prior to market.

3.  It is my right and that of every American to
choose ... therefore, require mandatory labeling!  If
you are going to require listing the contents, then
continue the spirit of that requirement (i.e.
consumers have a right to know) by requiring labeling
for GE foods.  A "letter of notification" does not
constitute notification to me.  How many Americans are
even unaware the FDA is accepting comments and
feedback on the proposals?  Most Americans only know
what is in the news and this informational material
isn't considered "news-worthy".  How are we going to
hear about a "letter of notification"?  Will they send
one to every American?  This impracticability is
exactly why we have organizations like the FDA, so
that the word does get out (i.e. if I want to know, I
turn the box and look at the label).

Sincerely ... William J. Clark, Jr.

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