From: MDianneW@webtv.net
Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2001 9:25 PM
To: %20fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: 00D-1598 Voluntary labeling for Bioengineered Food

There seems to be growing concern about genetically altered food. I have
been reading  articles about possible `side effects' and I am reminded
of Thalidimide, HIV, Mad cow disease and all the other stuff that people
have had to deal with in my lifetime due to economics (read dollars) vs
technology and lackadaisical regulation. When error can cause a doctor
to prescribe chemotherapy to a growth that in actuality is a blastocyst
there is something wrong. In this age we are no longer surprised when
scientists 'clone a sheep' or invent a square tomato. There are those
few who proclaim `judgement-day' and `God's work'. I however am
concerned that the FDA, the `government watchdog' of the `50's, is using
the honor- system for the regulation of genetically altered food
sources. Food safety has to be at least as important as drug smuggling.
Drugs are used by some of the population whereas food is used by every
living being on earth. Please reconsider the issue of voluntary food
labeling and manufactures of foodstuffs providing their own proof of
safety. I would rather see my grandchildren ingest a live cockroach than
the gene of one disguised as an apple. At least I would KNOW it.
                                           Dianne Worrell