From: Nina Fernandez-Gould [nina@brandes.com]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 10:05 AM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: "Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598" Labeling of GMO material

Good morning, all @ FDA.

I have been calling your department, the USDA, various political
representatives, and individual grocery chains and food manufacturers for
over two years now regarding the labeling of genetically modified foods.  As
I have only been rebuffed, I have set out on personal campaigns to convert
all shoppers I know, or have an acquaintance to, to convert them from
Ralph's, Vons, Albertson's, etc. and prepared foods shoppers, to organic
food shoppers.

As you know, McDonalds has recently agreed to utilize only foods that are
GO-free.  Frito-Lay followed suit.  The public, and I, as part of the
public, are more willing to AVOID all foods that do not have a "Certified
Organic" label on them, than risk consumption.

Now, please do not reply with a rebuttal about organic foods or the lovely,
but idealistic goal of the bio-food industry.  I have delved into three
years worth of research, I am quite familiar with pro's and cons.

My e-letter's intent is to attempt to accomplish two things:

1) Mandate producers, manufacturers, and distributors to label whether their
product is genetically modified or may have genetically modified materials
in it.

2)  Require isolated, more intensive research on genetically modified crops,
animals, clothing, in effort to determine
 long-term effect on the environment and all levels of the food chain, PRIOR
to releasing it to the public for consumption or use.

and lastly, if there are individuals in the FDA, that serve in an advisory
role to public policy, and have a vested interest in the bio-tech field, I
would hope, as in any industry, that these vested interests would be taken
into account, and weighed as lightly as any other individuals' opinion with
a vested interest, "aka, with a grain of salt".


Do what is right.  Save the earth.  Longer term research, and public
disclosure.


Sincerely,


Nina Fernandez
a mom