Dear Ms. Earth Woman:

Thank you for expressing your concerns about genetic engineering and the safety of the food we consume. I agree with the majority of Americans who insist that they have the right to know which foods are genetically engineered.

On January 15, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued its final guidance for regulating food and products from genetically engineered animals. Unfortunately, the rules do not require genetically engineered food to be labeled as such unless it is deemed "materially different" from unmodified food.

I strongly support requiring that genetically engineered food bear a neutral label indicating that fact. Transparency is necessary to give consumers the tools they need to make wise, informed decisions. In addition, I believe we must increase our efforts to study the health and environmental risks that genetically engineered foods may present.

Please be assured that I will continue to fight for the safest and most environmentally responsible food supply possible.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me. Please feel free to contact me again regarding this or any other issue of concern to you.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator


Please do not respond to this message. If you would like to comment on legislation, please visit my website and use the correspondence form at http://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm