From: Doc Phil [docphil@pacificnet.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 12:33 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

From:
Philip M. Lichtenfeld, M.D.
16550 Ventura Blvd. Suite 320
Encino, CA 91436

Re: Regulations of genetically modified (engineered) products in the food
supply of the United States.

Dear Gentlepersons:

I am writing to urge you to do enact the following regulations regarding
genetically altered substances in the food supply of our country:

1. REQUIRE MANDATORY LABELING OF GENETICALLY ALTERED OR MODIFIED FOODS.
There is no valid reason to deny the citizens of the United States an
informed choice in what they eat.

2. IT IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT YOUR AGENCY WHOSE MISSION IS TO PROTECT THE
CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES WOULD RESTRICT LABELING OF NON-GENETICALLY
MODIFIED FOODS, IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES AS GMO FREE.  The only conceivable
explanation I can imagine as to why the FDA would do this, is that you have
somehow been corrupted by the pharmaceutical/agricultural interests who
would be hurt by consumers refusing to purchase their genetically altered
products, if given a choice.

3. Failure to label genetically modified products will make the diagnosis of
allergic and toxic reactions to these products much more difficult to make,
creating a hazard to the public safety.

I strongly urge the FDA to act in the interest of the citizens of the USA
rather than acting to protect the commercial interests of the genetically
altered seed and food producers, as the proposed rules clearly do.

Yours truly,


Philip M. Lichtenfeld, M.D.