RE: Protect our food supply by supporting HR 5269 and HR 5268

Dear Representative ,

I strongly urge you to support and co-sponsor legislation to require the mandatory labeling and safety testing of genetically engineered foods. HR 5269, the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act of 2006, would require labels on gene-altered food, and HR 5268, the Genetically Engineered Food Safety Act, would call for federal standards for safety assessments of these experimental foods now in our stores.

It is shocking that the FDA has never developed binding federal rules to protect consumers from the food safety risks of genetically engineered foods. Unlike crops from traditional breeding, genetically engineered crops contain antibiotic-resistant marker genes, viral promoters and foreign proteins never before consumed by humans. Yet the FDA relies on the very companies that have a financial interest in bringing these biotech crops to market to assess their safety. FDA has stated, "Ultimately, it is the food producer who is responsible for assuring safety" of gene altered foods.

Congress must take immediate action to fill the gaping regulatory hole left by the FDA to protect American consumers. HR 5268 would fill this hole by requiring mandatory pre-market safety testing for all GE foods. HR 5269 would require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods.

Here in America, we pride ourselves on having choices and making informed decisions. Under current FDA regulations we don't have that choice when it comes to GE ingredients in the foods we purchase and feed our families. 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, Russia, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries around the world. As an American, I firmly believe I should also have the right to know if my foods have been genetically engineered. If food makers like Kraft and Kellogg's can label the products they sell in these countries, they can certainly do it in the U.S.

A recent poll released by ABC News found that 92 percent of the American public wants the federal government to require mandatory labeling on genetically engineered foods. Please show your support for American consumers by supporting and co-sponsoring HR 5268 and HR 5269. I will join millions of concerned Americans in closely monitoring this vital issue and Congress’ response.

Most Sincerely,

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