From: thomas_mcguire@msn.com
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 2:42 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: What's in your food? (FDA Dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598)


Dear Corporate and Government Leaders,

Neither government nor industry is protecting Americans from the risks posed to human health and the environment by genetically engineered (GE) foods. The Food and Drug Administration's "new" policy on GE foods (proposed January 18, 2001) continues to let the biotech industry regulate itself; it fails to require the long-term, pre-market safety testing demanded by independent experts. The "voluntary labeling" guidelines are a wholly inadequate response to the overwhelming public support for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. Therefore, I urge you to keep all genetically engineered ingredients and crops off the market unless:

1) Independent safety testing demonstrates they have no harmful effects on human health or the environment, 

2) They are labeled to ensure the consumer's right-to-know, and 

3) The biotechnology corporations that manufacture them are held accountable for any harms they may cause.


I'm 29 and received treatment for a cancer tumor two years ago.  I wan't to know whether I'm eating rGHB or not.  I hope you understand.  

I buy most of my foods at an organic food store, but it is expensive.  I wish supermarkets would offer me healthy food at an affordable price.  Please label all your GE-food.  Why are you afraid of telling us, the consumers about what you are selling us?  How can I trust you if you withhold this information?  

You make a lot of good food products, so please make them safe!


Sincerely

Thomas McGuire
1201 W. Washington
Boise, Idaho 83702