From: jasonsos@digitex.net Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 11:56 PM 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, We should have irradiated foods clearly and conspicuously labeled. "Irradiation" is a commonly understood term that FDA should not discard for a deceptive substitute. You must agree? I'm not the only one who feels this way. 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 "Electronically Pasteurized" or "Cold Pasteurized." Just as consumers want label information about "dolphin-safe tuna" or "low fat" foods, they also want clear information on irradiated food. After all, Dear one; we live to make safer a better world for those who follow--and will judge us for our care and concerns for them. Please don't change the current sensible label--for their sake--and ours. 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 not stand in the way of consumers making those choices by putting confusing new labels on irradiated food. Can you , or do you take the time to read that awful small print--beofre you buy? I can't. I must trust someone to look out for our best interests--and that person is you--and your fellow members . . . Thanking you in advance for your efforts in this serious regard, I have the Honor to remain, Most Sincerely Yours, Jason Leigh http://JasonLeigh.org Sincerely, Jason Leigh P.O. Box 377 Cleburne, Texas 76033