From: Mbric072@uwsp.edu
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 10:49 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: What's in your food? (FDA Dockets 00N-1396 and 00D-1598)


Dear Corporate and Government Leaders,

Neither government nor industry is protecting Americans from the risks posed to human health and the environment by genetically engineered (GE) foods. The Food and Drug Administration's "new" policy on GE foods (proposed January 18, 2001) continues to let the biotech industry regulate itself; it fails to require the long-term, pre-market safety testing demanded by independent experts. The "voluntary labeling" guidelines are a wholly inadequate response to the overwhelming public support for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. Therefore, I urge you to keep all genetically engineered ingredients and crops off the market unless:

1) Independent safety testing demonstrates they have no harmful effects on human health or the environment, 

2) They are labeled to ensure the consumer's right-to-know, and 

3) The biotechnology corporations that manufacture them are held accountable for any harms they may cause.


I am a young college student, and knowing that my elders don't care about the health or welfare of my generation makes me lack compassion for your generation. When you need our support I will think twice about who I am actually aiding. We are the future, but your supporting genetically modified food is robbing us of a life filled with natural beauty and health.


Sincerely

Melissa  Brickl
204 Knutzen Hall
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481