From: Laurie Hext [ibi4wa@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2001 12:06 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: docket OON-1396 & OOD-1598

Dear FDA Dockets Management Folks,

I am very concerned about the lack of regulation for genetically-engineered
foods and food products.

I am urging that you :

1) must require regulation for these foods and food
Products, starting with mandatory pre-market comprehensive
environmental review. Unlike conventional pollutants, where a
given amount of pollutant causes a limited amount of damage, in
these foods and food products, a small number of mutant genes
could have a population explosion and reproduce forever, causing
unlimited and irreparable damage.

2) must require mandatory pre-market long-term health testing.
Genetically-engineered products could be toxic,
cause allergic responses, have lower nutritional value, and
compromise immune responses in consumers.

3) must require mandatory labeling of GE products. Without
mandatory labeling, neither consumers nor health professionals
will know if an allergic or toxic reaction was the result of a
genetically engineered food. Consumers would be deprived of the
critical knowledge needed to hold food producers liable should
any of these novel products be hazardous.

4) must end the cozy relationship with the industries
the FDA purports to be regulating, and serve the health needs
of the people of our country.

It is reported that: People have been allowed to work
for a biotech company, then work for the FDA writing the
regulatory rules on that company's product, then go back to
working for the company.  Ninety-two percent of FDA advisory
committee meetings have had at least one conflict of interest.

Thank you for moving forward with this proactive protection of
the health of the citizens of our country. Let us not wait until
people get sick and/or die before we do what we know is right and
good for the health of our nation.

Sincerely, with urgency,
Laurie Hext


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