From: Michaela Farm [michaelafarm@seidata.com]
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 5:28 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Cc: action201@sustainableagriculture.net
Subject: Docket No. 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598

TO:  FDA Commissioner

I am not pleased that the FDA is not taking desired measures to permit the American public to have information about genetically engineered foods.  The new rules announced on GE foods have failed to require safety testing, mandatory labeling and other consumer protections for GE foods.  Instead the Rules appear to be a decision made to convenience industry at the expense of public health, consumer information and the environment.

I wish to register my request that the FDA move--even quickly--to right this situation and do the following:
    1-  require mandatory pre-market safety testing.  Otherwise why have a FDA?

    2-  require mandtory pre-market environmental review.

    3-  require mandatory labeling of GE foods.  This is essential in our society!

  
I am a member of a religious Congregation of women who is operating an organic farm in Oldenburg, Indiana.  We want to be sure that the crops we grow do not become tainted with pollen drift from GEplants.  But more so, I believe every citizen has the right to know what type of food they are purchasing and make their own choices based on accurate information.

Thank you.
Sister Claire Whalen, OSF