Representative Dennis J. Kucinich
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Kucinich,

In the 108th Congress, you were the primary sponsor of HR 2916, the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. Thank you!

I understand you have now re-introduced this same legislation before the 109th Congress as HR 5269, the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. I appreciate your leadership in this important legislative effort!

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!

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 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 recent report funded by the USDA and conducted by Rutgers University found that 89% of the American public feel genetically engineered foods should be required to be labeled. Only 10% felt labeling should not be required. Therefore, co-sponsoring this bill will only be doing what the vast majority of American citizens are requesting our government provide for these controversial foods.

Again, thank you for sponsoring the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act!

Sincerely,
                                                                                            (signature)

                                                                                             (print name)

                                                                                              (address)

                                                                                              (city, state, zip)