From: ktwshbrn@gte.net
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2001 9:09 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 write to express the opinion that irradiated foods
should be clearly and conspicuously labeled. "Irradiation"
is a commonly understood term that FDA should not replace
with a deceptive substitute.  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.  

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
facilitate consumers in making those choices by continuing
the present labels on irradiated food. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 



Sincerely,


Kathleen and Tom Washburn
4811 2nd Ave. Dr. NW
Bradenton, Florida 34209