From: Gooches@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2001 12:12 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598
Dear Sirs, 
I understand that the FDA is now accepting public comment on its proposed new 
rules on genetically engineered (GE) foods. I am extremely disturbed because 
I understand that the new rules: 
* Do not require mandatory pre-market safety testing 
* Do not require pre-market environmental review 
* Do not require mandatory labeling of GE foods 
* Restrict voluntary labeling of non-GE foods 
* Require a mere letter of notification prior to the marketing of a GE food 
* Fail to ensure public access to adequate information for independent review 
* Are supported by industry and opposed by consumer groups. 
It seems to me that given reasonable prudence, and following the cautionary 
prescriptive to "do no harm" that: 
The FDA would require mandatory pre-market comprehensive environmental 
review. 
The FDA would require mandatory pre-market long-term health testing 
The FDA would require mandatory labeling of GE products 
The FDA would end its cozy relationship with the industries it purports to be 
regulating where individuals 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. 
Hoping that you will work for the public good and not simply corporate 
profits. 
Sincerely,