From: audrey kalen [akalen@adelphia.net]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 4:17 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

Dear Food and Drug Administration:
I am concerned about the safety regulation of genetically engineered foods.   I believe that it is the FDAs responsiblity to perform health and ecological safety testing as well as mandatory labeling for all genetically engineered products.  Any dangerous effects of one of these products has the potential for far reaching and possibly irreparable damage.
 
I cannot understand how your agency can avoid its responsibility to protect Americans from this danger.
 
This evening I plan to watch a public television program about how so many chemicals that have been introduced in the last 50 years have found their way into our bodies through the environment and through personal care products without the benefit of government safety testing and regulation.  The chemical industry has supposedly regulated itself, and has exposed the public to many dangerous chemicals that are not pervasive in the environment and in our bloodstreams because profit motivation was strong enough for these companies to knowingly cover up the terrible risks to our health that they knew these chemicals contained.
 
Haven't we learned anything?  The capitalism we embrace that motivates these companies must be balanced by our government's protection.  Please hear my concern about the safety testing and labeling of genetically engineered products before they damage our health and our environment.
 
Sincerely,
Audrey Hartman