From: lene@sirius.com
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 12:48 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Irradiation Labeling, Docket No 98N-1038



Food and Drug Administration, Dockets Management Branch
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20857

Dear Food and Drug Administration, Dockets Management Branch,

I have read that the food processing industry wants
to undermine the sensible and proper labeling standards
for irradiated foods.  Please preserve the use of clear
labels such as "treated with radiation," "irradiated,"
and the radiation symbol so I can make informed decisions
with regard to the products I buy.  The FDA should
not discard these clear labels for a deceptive substitute
promoted by the processing industry.  

An independent opinion poll in 1999, commissioned by
the American Association of Retired Persons and the
Center for Science in the Public Interest, showed overwhelming
support for the term "Treated by Irradiation," instead
of the deceptive, unclear terms "Electronically Pasteurized"
or "Cold Pasteurized."  

Please don't change the current sensible label. Informed
choice is part of a free-market economy. Some shoppers
want to buy irradiated foods because they want foods
with lower pathogen risks. Other shoppers may avoid
irradiated foods because of changes in taste, smell,
texture, or nutrition, or for other reasons. FDA should
support consumer education and consumer choice by maintaining
the current clear labels. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 



Sincerely,


Arlene Graves
268 Bush St.#3236
San Francisco, California 94104