Should this happen, and DSHEA regulations were modified to be as restrictive as the Codex Guidelines are ultimately expected to be, would you be able to continue to freely purchase the wide range of dietary supplements at your local health food store? Based on what is already happening in several European countries, probably not. Could the WTO really use economics to pressure the U.S. to its will? A review of trade agreements signed by the U.S. shows that it definitely could.

What can be done to protect your interests? Is it too late? There aren't any easy answers. Advocacy groups in the U.S have tried for years, but they have consistently found it difficult to generate concern. Americans have confidence in their government's ability to protect their rights and freedoms. They cannot believe that there are outside organizations (like the WTO) with more power than the U.S. government. Yet, my research has verified that the WTO has forced our country to change U.S. laws in the past.

I am sharing the facts I have uncovered in hopes that you will be better informed and more vigilant for positive actions to protect health freedoms in the U.S., particularly from the power of outside trade regulations. Remember the strong motivation of many other countries to restrict access to health-enhancing options, such as dietary supplements. These countries have become skilled in using international organizations to support their preferences. You can increase awareness of this serious matter by talking about this with your friends and colleagues. If you hear about advocacy campaigns for protecting health freedoms, listen. If you agree with their ideas, support what they are suggesting. Complacency supports and encourages those working to undermine the current heath freedoms in the U.S.

Related Documents for your reference:

· Codex Draft Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral Food Supplements

· EU Pharmaceuticals Directive
· EU Pharmaceuticals Directive 2004 Revisions

· EU Food Supplements Directive

· WTO explanation about Standards and Safety Agreements -- SPS and TBT -- and identification of Codex Alimentarius as source for food standards
· Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)
· Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
· WTO Dispute Settlement Procedure

· FAO/WHO Nutrient Risk Assessment Project
· WHO "Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases"

· Codex Committee on General Principles 13th Session (Item 50 on page 7) as "SPS does not differentiate between the three terms -- 'standards', 'guidelines', and 'recommendations'."