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be withdrawn.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

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