From: EXECSEC
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 4:14 PM
To: EXECSEC
Subject: FW: Irradiation Labeling, Docket No 98N-1038



-----Original Message-----
From: wynter-stayna@excite.com [mailto:wynter-stayna@excite.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:32 PM
To: bschwetz@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Irradiation Labeling, Docket No 98N-1038




Bernard A. Schwetz
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857

Dear Bernard A. Schwetz,

I want irradiated foods to be clearly labeled. "Irradiation"
is a commonly understood term that FDA should not discard
for 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 that
clearly states that food has been exposed to irradiation.
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. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 



Sincerely,


Helen Stayna
1027 East 32 Street
Brooklyn, New York 11210