From: Center for Food Safety [action@foodsafetynow.org] Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 2:13 PM To: FDA Commissioner Cc: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov; president@whitehouse.gov; vice.president@whitehouse.gov Subject: Remove rBGH from the market! FDA Commissioner Food and Drug Administration 5630 Fishers Lane Room 1061 (HFA-305) Rockville, MD 20852 RE: Docket No. 98P-1194 Dear FDA: On January 19, 1999, the Center for Food Safety and numerous other organizations and individuals filed a legal petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking that the approval of genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH) (also known as rBST or Posilac®) be withdrawn. As a concerned citizen, I am writing to request that you immediately remove rBGH from the market. In 1999, scientists from Health Canada found that the FDA failed to investigate studies showing that rBGH could lead to potential human health problems. In particular, these pre-approval studies found that the oral feeding of rBGH led to thyroid cysts and prostate activity in male rats. The study also concluded that significant animal health problems were associated with rBGH use in dairy cows including a 50% risk increase of lameness and a 25% risk increase in mastitis (udder infections). This new analysis has confirmed earlier scientific studies and provided evidence that milk and dairy products derived from rBGH-treated cows pose significant potential human health impacts such as increased cancer risks and the development of antibiotic resistance. We have a fundamental expectation that the FDA will act to protect the American public by ensuring the safety and quality of our food supply. I find it particularly appalling that the FDA allows rBGH on the market even though Canada and the European Union refuse to approve this dangerous product because of the clear findings of potential risk. It is my understanding that the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act mandates that evidence of imminent health hazards caused by animal drugs, such as those revealed about rBGH, require the FDA to withdraw such products from the market. I support the Center for Food Safety and other organizations that have filed a legal petition seeking that the FDA fulfill this legal obligation. I request that you please take immediate action to remove this potentially hazardous product from the market. Sincerely, Miro Reverby Miro Reverby 16 Pilgrim Drive Cranston, RI, 02905 CC: FDA Dockets Management Branch, docket 98P-1194 President Bush Vice President Cheney Senator Jack Reed Senator Lincoln D. Chafee Representative Patrick J. Kennedy Representative James R. Langevin To the recipient -- this fax/email message has come to you via the Center for Food Safety web site -- a public tool for providing input on food safety issues. The user/site visitor had complete control over editing the content of this message. Thus, the opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of CFS or its parent organization, ICTA. Please contact CFS at (202)547-9359 or email office@centerforfoodsafety.org with any questions. Thank you. ___________________________________________________________________________ This letter was composed at www.foodsafetynow.org, a web site maintained by: The Center for Food Safety, 666 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Suite 302 Washington, DC 20003 PH: (202)547-9359 Fax: (202)547-9429 Email: office@centerforfoodsafety.org web: www.centerforfoodsafety.org