The document discusses the history and origins of the natural health movement and natural products industry in the US and their collaboration over issues like regulations. It argues that while industry and consumers were once united on key battles like the Proxmire Vitamin Bill and DSHEA, issues like Codex have divided them. It urges both sides to work together by listening to each other, finding common ground, and participating in unity meetings to regain their collaboration on important issues.

1. The Importance of Building Bridges Between Industry & Consumers James J. Gormley Board Member & Senior Policy Advisor, Citizens for Health Member, NPA Communications Committee (1996-2005, 2007) Past CRN delegate to Codex Alimentarius (Paris & Rome, 2005) Former regulatory affairs officer for Nutrition 21 (2002-2006) Regulations for Nutraceuticals 2007 Conference Friday, October 19, 2007 Doubletree Hotel, Washington DC

3. But from where did the natural health movement come?

10. Our “war” was waged via many coordinated efforts, including a massive postcard-writing campaign that was supported by a full-page ad in the Washington Post denouncing the FDA’s attempts to resurrect “Prohibition.” The industry’s rallying cry was: “ PROTECT us NOT from that which is GOOD!”

19. Support for the AER Bill, while widespread was not universal. Some industry companies strongly supported the bill, others offered conditional support while still others mounted aggressive anti-AER bill campaigns. With the exception of Citizens for Health and a few other consumer organizations, self-proclaimed consumer health-freedom advocates attacked Citizens for Health and some of its supporters.

25. I have been trying to inject rationality and good sense into the Codex debate since at least 1997, when I published an editorial entitled: “Codex: Separating Fact from Fear.” >>>>>

27. But where are we today? Why were we all able to be united when it counted, in the past , but why is this so hard today?

28. What can industry & consumers do?