From: Alisha Leviten [alisha@palladium.com]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 12:33 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

I have great concern about the proposed regulations, or lack there of, on
genetically engineered (GE) foods.  I deserve to know what I am consuming,
and I deserve to be able to make an educated choice based on my knowledge.
Follows is what I believe should be the basis for regulations on GE foods.

* 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.

* The FDA must 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.

We are talking about our health and well-being.  This is not a frivolous
decision to be taken lightly.  I need to know that I am being informed about
the products I am consuming.  It is your job to keep me informed.

Regards,
Alisha Leviten
18405 Aurora Avenue North #H36
Shoreline, Washington 98133