From: Rebecca L. Ramsay [rramsay@fas.harvard.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2001 6:20 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: "Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598" in the 

The following e-mail message is also being sent as a regular letter through the postal service: 



Dear Sir or Madam, 



        I had always thought that the FDA was safeguarding the health of the average American in upholding standards and policies intended to protect the food that we eat. The lack of regulations regarding genetically modified foods is casting doubt on the FDA's role in protecting our food and in keeping the public informed. Some of the omissions and shortcomings of the FDA's current policies may be summarized as follows: 



The proposed rules: 



1) Do not require mandatory pre-market safety testing. 

2) Do not require pre-market environmental review. 

3) Do not require mandatory labeling of GE foods. 

4) Restrict voluntary labeling of non-GE foods. 

5) Require a mere letter of notification prior to the 

marketing of a GE food. 

6) Fail to ensure public access to adequate information 

for independent review. 



        Human beings are sensitive biological organisms. We the public have a right to clear information regarding the way our food is produced, processed, what it contains, and the safety of ingesting it. We have a right to insist that the FDA behave in a more responsible manner when it comes to the marketing of products for human consumption. 



        As a government agency, the FDA ought not to give in to specialized commercial pressure and should instead be doing all that it can to protect the consumer. 



Sincerely, 



Rebecca L. Ramsay