From: Linda Hedquist [linda@natel.net]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 2:01 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598


FDA Commissioner
Docket No. OON-1396 / OOD-1598
FDA Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5360 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

March 26, 2001

Honorable Commissioner:

I am writing to express my strong - even FIERCE - opposition to the
FDA's proposed rule and
guidance on genetically engineered (GE) foods.

I have severe food sensitivities to a number of common foods and I find
the agency's voluntary
labeling and notification proposals totally inadequate to protect human
health, our environment, and my right to know what I'm eating.

European nations have taken a much more responsible position by
requiring complete
disclosure.  Pressure from large corporations who stand to profit from
an
unsuspecting public should not be allowed to sway the development of
responsible public policy by our government.

I fully support the following:

1) All GE foods and food ingredients should be labeled so that I am
informed and have a choice.

2)  GE Foods should not be presumed safe.  They should be subject to
mandatory pre-market safety testing

3)  There should be a moratorium on the introduction of new GE foods
until long-term studies prove they are safe for human health and the
environment.

Thank you for your attention on this matter.

I pray that genuine public safety will outweigh political and financial
pressure on this issue.

Sincerely,

Linda Hedquist
1827 223rd St.
Libertyville, Iowa  52567