From: Vasudeva [hanavasu@mauigateway.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 1:56 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598
Friends, 

I am very concerned that the FDA protect us from potential harms of genetically engeneered foods. In my opinion, the FDA must:

* require mandatory pre-market comprehensive 
 environmental review. Unlike conventional pollutants, 
 where a given amount of pollutant causes a limited amount 
 of damage, a small number of mutant genes could have a 
 population explosion and reproduce forever, causing 
 unlimited and irreparable damage.

*require mandatory pre-market long-term health 
 testing. GE products could be toxic, cause allergic 
 responses, have lower nutritional value, and compromise 
 immune responses in consumers.

* require mandatory labeling of GE products. 
 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 
 would be deprived of the critical knowledge needed to hold 
 food producers liable should any of these novel products 
 be hazardous.

* end its cozy relationship with the industries
 it purports to be regulating. People have been allowed to 
 work for a biotech company, then work for the FDA writing the 
 regulatory rules on that company's product, then go back to
 working for the company.  Ninety-two percent of FDA advisory 
 committee meetings had at least one conflict of interest.

Sincerely,

Vasudev
HC 1 Box 26
Hana HI   96713-9701

808-248-8024 
hanavasu@mauigateway.com