Help End Supplement Censorship

By David Blyweiss, M.D., Advanced Natural Medicine

Have you ever been frustrated over the lack of information on your supplement packages? Me too.

For years, the FDA has prevented supplement manufacturers from educating the public on the specific health benefits of vitamins, minerals, herbs and even food. As it stands now, it’s illegal to talk about how specific foods or supplements can improve health. What’s more, companies can’t make disease claims or provide dosage information on product packaging or advertising. And that means consumers are left completely in the dark.

Most people would call that health censorship!

But all that may be about to change thanks to a bipartisan bill that was recently introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill, which is sponsored by Congressmen Jason Chaffetz (R–UT) and Jared Polis (D–CO), is known simply as the Free Speech About Science Act (HR 1364).

This landmark legislation will protect basic free speech, end the censorship of science, and allow food growers and supplement manufacturers to share credible findings about the natural products many of us rely on for good health.

The bill changes current law so that companies can pass along legitimate scientific and educational information while still giving the FDA and FTC the authority to take action against misleading information or false and unsubstantiated claims. This means you’ll not only be informed, you’ll also be protected so you can make the best supplement choices possible for your specific needs.

Similar legislation has come and gone over the years. What’s different this time? The prospects of the bill actually passing are much greater than they have ever been. The bill is currently being considered by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health. It’s vital that the subcommittee recommends passage so that the bill can move to the entire House of Representatives for a vote. And that’s where you come in.

You can help by contacting your congressional representatives immediately and urging them to co-sponsor and support HR 1364, the Free Speech About Science Act of 2011. You can find your representative’s contact information at www.congress.org. And make sure to spread the word among your family, friends and co-workers.

If your representative happens to be a member of the Subcommittee on Health, you can also tell them that you want this important piece of legislation moved to the floor as soon as possible along with a recommendation for its passage. And make sure to let them know that you—along with your friends and family—will be watching how they vote. It just might affect how you’ll vote the next time they run for re-election.

Here’s a list of the lawmakers that are on the committee:

1. H.R. 1364: Free Speech About Science Act of 2011. GovTracks.US. www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-1364