From: David Posada [davidp@learnit.com]
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2001 8:57 PM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: subject re: dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598

Dear Commissioner Henney,

I am writing to inform you that I am very disappointed that the FDA
continues to ignore the safety concerns of consumers and chooses instead to
help the companies developing biotech products.  Please change the policy on
genetically engineered food to one that protects the rights of the consumer.
The proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations fail to require
labels or safety tests on genetically engineered (GE) food. The new rules
continue to deny Americans the right to know what is in our food, while
protecting the economic interests of biotech corporations.

Regardless of the safety of such products consumers have a right to know
what is in their food.  The notion that GE foods are "substantial
equivalent" to non-genetically engineered foods is absurd. Labeling GE foods
would protect the public from potential health effects that could only be
traced if GE foods can be identified. By refusing to require both labeling
and mandatory safety testing of foods, the FDA puts consumer's health at
risk, and ignores the recommendations of the Biotechnology Consultative
Forum, who in December urged the US to require mandatory labeling of GE
foods.

I urge you to reconsider this proposal and insure that GE foods are subject
to pre-market testing and labeling.  Americans have a right to make informed
decisions about the food we consume.

Sincerely,

David Posada
Oakland, CA 94618