Campaign for the Health Freedom Protection Act (HFPA) Health freedom may have just taken an important step forward. Last week, Congressman Ron Paul of Texas introduced the Health Freedom Protection Act (HFPA). During his speech on the House floor, Representative Paul said, "The American people have made it clear they do not want the federal government to interfere with their access to dietary supplements, yet the FDA and the FTC continue to engage in heavy-handed attempts to restrict such access." The HFPA aims to block the FDA and the FTC from severely limiting the truthful claims (backed by scientific evidence) that can be made for food products and dietary supplements. For instance, the bill would reverse the FDA restrictions of these nutrient-disease association claims: - Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Omega-3 fatty acids for coronary heart disease
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis
- Calcium for bone fracture risk
This bill has a long way to go before it sees any significant action in the House and Senate. Right now, several industry leaders are organizing a grassroots campaign to make sure their voices are heard. But we know it's going to take more than a small chorus of voices to get the government to loosen its grip on this industry. So sharpen your pencils and practice your typing. I'll let you know when the time is right for us to join the fight. |