From: J P Harpignies [jpel@mindspring.com]
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2001 2:24 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

Dear FDA,
I am opposed to the proposed rules on genetically modified food products as
now written. I feel it is extremely short sighted to allow genetically
modified foods to be widely produced and distributed at this juncture. We
need a much more rigorous and thorough long term testing program run by
scientists with no ties of any kind to the food industry to study the long
term ecological and health effects of genetically modified products before
they are released into the environment and fed to humans. Ecosystems are
highly complex. Often the extensive damage caused by some "alien" species
introduced into new environments only becomes evident decades later.
Similarly, subtle but serious long-term risks to human health might not
become evident for many years.
	Also, at the very least, if you are going to err and allow these
products to be prematurely permitted, those of us who oppose these
unprecedented alterations to our food stuffs should have the right to know
which products contain GMO's. All food containing these products should be
clearly labeled, and producers who offer GMO free foods should be allowed
to label their products as GMO free. If FDA and food companies are
convinced GMO's are benefic and safe, why would they oppose such labels?
Arguing such labels would frighten away irrational consumers is elitist
nonsense. Let the people choose what they want. Many highly educated
scientists are also opposed to many uses of GMO's in foods, plants and
animals. Please re-think your policy before you commit a mistake that could
wind up having many unintended health and environmental effects.
				Sincerely,
				J.E. Harpignes