From: cuttin-up@juno.com
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2001 10:11 AM
Subject: RE: Docket No. 00N-1396 and 00D-1598 - label GE foods

      FDA Commissioner
Dockets Management Branch (HFA 305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fisher's Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

RE: Docket No. 00N-1396 and 00D-1598

Dear FDA,

I support comprehensive testing and mandatory labeling of all genetically
engineered foods.  Your new policies and guidance do neither and,
therefore, are inadequate at protecting public health and respecting
consumer choice.

Scientists have raised serious concerns that genetically engineered foods
may be toxic, cause allergic reactions, and lead to antibiotic resistance;
yet the FDA's new policies still fail to require testing.  Instead the
policy calls on industry to "notify" the FDA 120 days before going to
market with a product.  Notification will do little to ensure that
genetically engineered foods are safe before they reach supermarket
shelves.

These foods should not be on the market until proven safe for human health
and the environment, and as FDA does for other foods and drugs, FDA should
require adequate testing to ensure safety.

Secondly, if proven safe, these foods should be labeled so consumers have
the right to make an informed choice.  Information about nutritional
content, ingredients, preservatives, and processing is included on food
labels already.  Likewise, consumers should have the right to know if our
food has been produced through genetic engineering.

Until the FDA requires testing and labeling of genetically engineered
food, consumers remain guinea pigs for the health effects of genetically
engineered food.  Please strengthen your policies to include mandatory
testing and labeling of all genetically engineered foods.

Sincerely,



Sally Magers
17807 E. Cornell Dr.
Aurora, CO 80013