From: gigi (amexol) [urbanherbalist@email.com]
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 1:48 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed rules regarding
genetically modified foods and crops.  A vast majority of Americans want
mandatory labeling and safety testing of genetically modified foods and
ingredients, which the proposed regulations do not call for.

Under the proposed rules, food producers will be allowed to conduct safety
testing and provide labelling on a voluntary basis.   Therefore, these rules
pay only lip service to public health.  The proposed rules will not be
acceptable unless they require, at the very least,  mandatory safety testing
of genetically modified foods and strict labelling of foods containing
genetically modified ingredients.

As with the original proposals for labelling of organic foods, the proposed
rules on genetically modified foods are suspiciously weighted towards the
will of multinational food producers who put short term profit over public
health and environmental concerns.  I am writing to add my voice to the
public outcry that I hope will ensue over this important issue.

Sincerely,

Georgina Matthews
560 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036