From: Mary Rose Gallagher [maryrose@aloha.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 2:30 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598
Dear FDA:

I am writing to tell you I am an American consumer who is opposed to any Genetically Engineered (GE) foods, and would like to request that any of these foods be labeled as such. These are the points I would like to make:

* 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.

* The FDA must 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.

* The FDA must 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.


I feel that there is ample scientific evidence that clearly shows these GE foods
could have very damaging side effects. I feel the FDA has a conflict of interest
with the companies that make these GE foods, and that is why you are not responding
to the consumers. Please respond.

Sincerely
Mary Rose Gallagher
4165 Kamalani Lane
Princeville, HI 96722