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Support the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act

H.R. 3377 and S. 2080


Vice-President Al Gore
Gore 2000
2410 Charlotte Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203

Dear Vice-President Gore:

I am very concerned that I am eating genetically engineered foods without being told that fact. Therefore, I am requesting that you publicly endorse the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. The legislation in the United States House of Representatives is H.R. 3377 and in the Senate the bill number is S.2080.

The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act will require genetically engineered foods to be labeled as such -- regardless of whether the food is in its whole form or as an ingredient in processed foods. Public opinion polls show the vast majority of Americans want them labeled (81% in a January 11, 199 Time magazine poll). Similar labeling legislation has been passed in Europe, Australia and Japan.

Genetically engineered crops are not the same as those produced by typical hybridization. Foods modified by genetic engineering may contain increased levels of natural toxins and lower levels of valuable nutrients. The FDA states that if a genetically engineered food contains a known allergen it must be labeled. But what about the unknown allergens that may be created in these experimental foods? Genetically engineered crops often contain proteins that have never before been consumed by humans as food. Further, there are serious questions about he safety of these crops on the environment. And many people have moral and religious concerns.

Personally, I do not want to eat genetically engineered corn or potatoes that contain the Bt toxin. Nor do I want to eat "Roundup Ready" soybean or other future products such as tomatoes that contain the gene from a fish! But without labeling, I cannot avoid it. So I am asking you to endorse passage of this labeling legislation.

President Gore, please realize that this is an extremely important issue to voters interested in health, the environment, and informed choice. If you wish the support of these people in your upcoming presidential election, it is in your best interest to take a stand in favor of mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. I request you write me back and let me know if you will encourage Congress to pass the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act into law.

Sincerely,

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