From: william crutchfield [wmcrutch@micron.net]
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2001 12:35 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket00D-1598



Dear FDA, 

I wish to register my concern about  the proposed  regulations  concerning genetically altered food. Below are various safeguards that I feel the FDA should address in making any such regulations.

Your attention to these issues below will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

William Crutchfield







* 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.