FDA attempting to regulate supplements, herbs and juices as "drugs"

You've undoubtedly already heard of this move, but it's important to note that the FDA has given the public until April 30th to submit their comments on this legislation.

There's a good backgrounder on this legislation at this link...
http://www.newstarget.com/021789.html

...but the short story is that this is essentially a major power-grab by the FDA, allowing them the authority to regulate anything whatsoever that is deemed to be of medicinal value or which promotes good health. Which further means they'll have express authority to decide which companies are allowed to choose, produce/grow, process, market and sell things like cranberry tablets, kombucha, massage stones, acupuncture needles, teas, etc. Most importantly, they will have the ability to deny medicinal herbs and supplements from you altogether, as they've done with highly touted cancer treatments that are used the world over.

For instance, the FDA has evidently already tried several times to have stevia taken off the market -- even to demand the destruction of books which recommend this natural, non-caloric sweetener, since it offers a far superior alternative to aspertame and other industrially-produced sweeteners.

Here's the page of the FDA's site where you can submit your comments.

"Be sure to cite Docket No. 2006D-0480: Draft Guidance for Industry on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

Tell them you support open access to vitamins, herbs, and supplements, and you do not want CAM to be regulated by the FDA."

Obviously it would be better to write a physical letter to the FDA, sending copies of it to your State Senators and Congresspeople as well. And since I know that the idea of spending 15 minutes or so drafting an email to send into the bureaucratic "circular file" may stop many readers from even trying, I'll offer the following cut 'n paste for you to use as you wish:

"Re: Docket No. 2006D-0480. Draft Guidance for Industry on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

To Whom it may Concern,

As a socially responsible individual and concerned citizen of the United States, I'm writing to let you know that I stand against this proposal by the FDA aimed at legislating the fields of complementary and alternative medicine. I staunchly support open knowledge of and access to vitamins, herbs, therapies and supplements, as well as empowering individuals with the freedom to research and choose for themselves which natural and holistic remedies they might. Having long observed the inadequacy and unwillingness of corporate/governmental authorities to provide safe and effective preventative medicines, I in no way believe these things could be better regulated by FDA oversight.

In short, I believe that if the FDA gets its way, the United States will become a medical wasteland, dominated by corporate drug company interests. And I further anticipate that many effective alternative supplements and therapies would be withheld from Americans altogether. This is no idle concern: any agency that openly states "vegetable juice will be regulated as a drug" is clearly over-stepping the authority entrusted to it by the public, and is bordering on outright malfeasance.

Docket No. 2006D-0480 is clearly a last-ditch effort to save the failing conventional medical industry from the continued public shift towards natural medicine, and any responsible public servant should oppose it.

Sincerely,"

Comments

[Christopher]

I'm stunned. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand we have an identical power grab occurring with a big push by the NZ and Australian governments, via a joint Tasman body called the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority, to bring herbs, supplements and other alternative therapies under a strict regulatory regime, no doubt dominated by pharmacutical companies.

The parallels between what the FDA is doing and what is happening here are strong enough to wonder if Australia is following their lead, with NZ bringing up the rear?

LINKS

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/therapeutic-products-lp-1

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=27993

http://www.healthfreedomnz.com/

http://www.healthandlifestyle.co.nz/labels/government.html

Cheers,
Christopher.

[JO KERBY]

I am opposed to any legislation stopping citizens of the United States of America from using any alternative medicines without a Medical Doctor's OK. This is an infringement on our rights and privileges. I am opposed to Docket no. 2006d-0480 and want it stopped now. I want my right to go where ever and choose what I want to use for my self and family for our health. RX drugs are more and more dangerous to all of us. We do not want government involment in our choices for alternative health care.

[kate]

they are aloso trying to regulate alternative medicine more here in the UK:

GoToSee: Alternative Medicine Directory