From: wrknapp@montana.com
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2001 6:19 PM
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 tried to edit the form letter above but was unable to do so.  Had I, I'd have asked you to NOT impede development of GE foods, as they permit development of crops that require fewer pesticide and herbacide applications, less water, and provide greater yield.
The "possible allergic reaction" hoopla is just that - unproved hoopla from self-described environmental activists who must have a crisis de jeur in order to fulfill their fundraising goals.


Sincerely

Bob Knapp