Representative Chet Edwards
2459 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Edwards,

I am writing to ask you to support and co-sponsor H.R. 2916, the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act of 2003.

It is shocking that the FDA considers genetically engineered foods "substantially equivalent" to non-genetically engineered foods. Genetically engineered crops contain antibiotic-resistant marker genes, viral promoters and foreign proteins never before consumed by humans. These are not found in crops produced through normal means of hybridization.

Further, the FDA is not testing these products itself. The agency is relying on edited summaries provided by the very companies that have a financial interest in bringing these biotech crops to market. And under current FDA law, the companies are not even required to provide summaries!

The major producer of genetically engineered crops is Monsanto -- a company that was found guilty in 2002 in Alabama of negligence, wantonness, suppression of the truth, nuisance, trespass and outrage. Monsanto suppressed the truth about PCBs. How do I know they won't do the same thing when it comes to their genetically engineered crops?

Labeling is essential for me to choose whether or not I want to consume genetically engineered foods. Genetically engineered foods are required to be labeled in the 15 European Union nations, plus Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries around the world. As an American, I firmly believe I should also have that right to know if my foods have been genetically engineered.

A poll released July 15, 2003 by ABC News found that 92 percent of the American public wants the federal government to require mandatory labeling on genetically modified foods. The figure was 93 percent in a poll ABC News conducted in 2001, so support for mandatory labeling is strong and consistent. As ABC News stated, "Such near-unanimity in public opinion is rare."

I hope you will listen to me and the other 92 percent of the American public who want mandatory labeling (and not to Monsanto and a handful of biotech companies) and show your support for American consumers by co-sponsoring H.R. 2916, the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act.

I look forward to a written response confirming your support. Thank you!

Sincerely,
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