FTC Seeks Control of Supplement Industry

Based on prior actions the Federal Trade Commission would lily have used its newly expanded power to restrict access to supplements. Congressman Henry WaxmanHenry Waxman with the support of Congressman Barny Frank made a last ditch effort to provide full power to the FTC. Fortunately, after deliberating until 3 am this morning, the provision was not accepted. And therefore, will not be included in the bill set for submission to the House and Senate.

Due to strong outcries and several thousand signatures across the United States, this noxious provision was kept from limiting our access to multivitamins and herbal supplements this time. The FTC powers that be still seek full control over our choice in health care. By limiting end user access to supplements they can in effect, force consumers to resort to dangerous prescription drugs rather than supporting their health with vitamins, minerals, and herbs that have been used to support healthy bodies for millennia.

According to the Alliance for Natural Health press release here are the current updated on the deliberations on this attempt at controlling our health:

“Here are a few updates on the current deliberations:

On Tuesday, June 22 the conferees rejected by voice vote an amendment offered by Rep. Spencer BachusRep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee, to exclude the FTC expansion powers from the Wall St. Financial Reform final package.

Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, urged House conferees to leave his provision in the final package. “This is not a radical … [grant of] new authorities,” Waxman said, a statement which is completely false. He also did not address why an expansion of FTC power over all industries, not just Wall St, is needed in this Wall St. bill.

Our allies on Capitol Hill believe that Chairman Waxman will bring up a miscellaneous amendment, which will include the FTC expansion language, at the very end of the conference today, when everyone is tired.

Now’s the time to TAKE ACTION!”

This is not the first or the last time the FTC with support from congressmen will attempt to hide a control measure into a bill under our noses. The new anti-supplement expiation should not be included in the New Wall St, Financial Reform package. Controlling supplements is just one step away from controlling our diets. Once control of supplements is gained by the FTC they can and will declare regular healthy foods such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and other foods health supplements and grant more power to the prescription drug industries.

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