In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
The passage of DSHEA witnessed the biggest victory for consumers in the history of Congress. More letters were written to Congress than on any other piece of legislation in the history of our country. The voice of the people spoke louder on dietary supplements than even on the Vietnam war. This historic legislation assured the public’s right to safe and high quality dietary supplements. The people expressed their overwhelming desire to take care of themselves, by accessing dietary supplements to prevent the onset of chronic disease and reduce the risk of ill health.
The American public spoke for health and wellness choices. President Bill Clinton, in signing the bill, said, “The passage of this legislation…speaks to the diligence with which an unofficial army of nutritionally conscious people worked democratically to change the laws in an area deeply important to them.”
Now the people must speak again to preserve their legacy under DSHEA—for good health care options, to access dietary supplements, and to make Congress listen to you, the American people. Since the passage of DSHEA, the FDA has failed to fully implement and enforce the law. The FDA failed to prevent the misuse of the herb, Ephedra, which put people at risk. Critics say the industry is unregulated and that dietary supplements are dangerous. They claim consumers must be protected. These are lies. These lies are used to advocate that Congress give even more powers to FDA. If government wants to protect consumers, it must make FDA enforce DSHEA, not destroy it. Let’s protect consumers’ freedom to choose health-enhancing dietary supplements. The FDA has the powers, given to it under DSHEA, to seize products and to warn, to fine, to prosecute and to jail manufacturers who do not obey the law.
Yet, the FDA has failed to act. What’s been happening in Washington DC?
There are now five bills pending before Congress that will affect your rights to access safe and beneficial supplements.
Under the guise of protecting the public, these bills will make it easier to take away public access to supplements. The FDA is unable, or is unwilling, to enforce the law.
Only one bill recognizes the possibility that the FDA needs more money to fulfill its duties under DSHEA. The Hatch Harkin bill, S. 1538, says we should give more money to the FDA to do its job.
The other four bills seek to give the FDA even more powers—powers that would quickly destroy your nutritional health care rights.
Public confidence in the safety and quality of dietary supplements has come under pressure because the FDA has not taken action to enforce the law.
The FDA does not need more powers. It needs to use the powers it already has to assure your dietary supplements are safe and of high quality. It can and it will when you, the American people, send a clear message back to Congress—Do not mess with DSHEA, help the FDA fully fund and implement the law!
In response to the actions of Congress, the Nutritional Health Alliance, one of the main organizations that fought so hard for its passage of DSHEA ten years ago, has activated a new Save and Strengthen DSHEA campaign. The NHA will work with other like-minded groups and individuals to achieve these objectives. Don’t let Congress take your dietary supplements away—protect your rights and protect DSHEA. In the coming months, you will be hearing from the NHA and we will work with consumers and store owners to make sure your voices are heard in Washington DC.
Go to www.nha2004.com and voice your support for DSHEA. Access the names and addresses of your Congressmen and Senators, view sample letters and fax and write Congress today. Prevent the loss of your right to stay healthy with dietary supplements. Don’t let Congress take your dietary supplements away!
Pending Bills in Congress Could Take Away Your Health Care Rights to Buy Vitamins and Herbs Nutritional Health Care Alliance Reactivated to Protect DSHEA
