THE MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER 
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY 
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY 
HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA 17033 
717 534-8253 
December 27, 1979 
Dr. Don Fredrickson 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I have examined the recent recommendations of the Recombinant 
DNA Advisory Committee as summarized in the November 30, 1979 issue 
of the Federal Register. My comments are directed towards the down- 
grading of E. coli K-12 containment for recombinant DNA cloning 
studies . 
The overall experience of numerous investigators with recombinant 
DNA techniques indicates that a downgrading of E. coli K-12 contain- 
ment levels is reasonable and timely. The new recommendations of the 
Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee in this regard are appropriate 
and should be enacted. These recommendations are consistent with our 
continuing concerns for safety and will facilitate basic medical research. 
Our experience with local Institutional Biosafety Committees indicates 
that they provide an effective and efficient mechanism for experimental 
review of recombinant DNA experiments. The various investigators in 
our Department of Microbiology who are directly involved in recombinant 
DNA methods are equally supportive of the Institutional Biosafety 
Committee as well as the new recommendations under consideration. 
I highly support the new recommendations of the Recombinant DNA 
Advisory Committee as described in the November 30, 1979 issue of the 
Federal Register. My colleagues and I would be happy to see these 
recommendations enacted and would be happy to help you in this regard. 
Sincerely yours, 
JcL 
John Taylor, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor 
JT/ksy 
1B1 
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