From: Eric Dimick Eastman [erice@ontko.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2001 10:25 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

To Whom it May Concern,

In general I support the research and consumer availability of 
Genetically Modified Foods.  However, I am quite concerned about new 
regulations for Genetically Altered Foods.  As a consumer, I feel that I 
have a right to buy or not buy any product for any reason.  One thing 
that makes America great is that consumers, without a lot of background 
research, can go into a store, compare products and prices based on 
reliable information, and walk out with whatever they want.  Failure to 
label GM (and non-GM) foods harms this system.

I have heard industry representatives say that if these products are 
labeled accurately they will not sell (or not sell as well).  That 
strikes me as the strongest argument FOR labeling.  If the American 
consumer wants these products she should be able to get them, if not, 
she can't be tricked into buying them when she thought she was getting 
something else.  If I were to produce a new make of car, I couldn't just 
convince myself that it is at least as good as a Ford Escort and then 
pretend it is one.  That would negate the American experiment.

Thanks for your consideration,
Eric