From: equezjr@pacbell.net
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 1:19 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Oppose FDA's New Regulations on Genetically Engineered Food

gene Quezada
5218 Diane St.
Simi Valley, CA  93063 
equezjr@pacbell.net


RE: Docket No. 00N-1396, and 00D-1598

Dear FDA,
 
I am greatly concerned by your new policies on genetically engineered (GE) foods. Despite overwhelming consumer demand, your agency still fails to require safety testing and mandatory labeling for GE foods. Your "notification" policy does not inform consumers, and irresponsibly ignores strong scientific evidence of numerous potential health and environmental risks to GE foods. You should be aware that these foods could be toxic, cause allergic responses, lower nutrition value, compromise immune responses in consumers, and cause irreparable damage to the environment. 

I am also greatly opposed to your new "voluntary labeling" policy, which denies consumers a basic right to know. 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 will also be deprived of the critical knowledge they need to hold food producers liable should any of these novel foods prove hazardous.

Your proposed rules do not appear to address serious concerns, and appear to be a decision made against the concern of public health and the environment. I trust you will take my concern along with the thousands of others into serious consideration.

Sincerely,



gene Quezada