If  passed into law this summer, pending legislation known as Codex limentarius, or “Food Rules,” will have far-reaching and irreversible consequences on the availability of foods, herbs and nutritional supplements in the United States. The government’s intention is to join other countries in harmonizing and enforcing uniform food standards to protect consumers in an increasingly global market.

But many see the proposed standards as “extremely detrimental to the environment, complementary medical practice and the food supply,” says Dr. Rima Laibow, medical director of the nonprofit Natural Solutions Foundation. His online analysis brings the 15,000-page Codex document into perspective. For example, it specifies that supplements and nutrients “may not be used to prevent, treat or cure any disorder.” Yet, says Laibow, “More than 80 percent of Americans currently use supplements for these purposes.” 

One basic question is whether supplements will continue to be classified as foods or become internationally regulated as drugs. Another is whether Codex will be considered as an optional guideline or mandatory and strictly enforced.

Currently the United States considers nutrients as foods under the 1994 Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act. Nutrients not explicitly forbidden are generally permitted. Under Codex, any substance not explicitly short-listed as a nutrient would be banned. At this time, a nation’s compliance with Codex is still voluntary. But if it is voted into international law at the Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting in Rome July 4-9, total compliance among the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 165 member nations will become mandatory.

For several years the Codex Commission has been working with United Nations-linked organizations to develop and promulgate uniform worldwide standards for food, nutrition and agriculture. Should the Commission’s present recommendation become law, it would illegalize the manufacture, distribution and sale of non-medical prescriptions and “meaningful dosages of all vitamins, minerals, herbs and nutritional supplements” according to Laibow’s summary. It also would outlaw “all organic, free-range, and bio-dynamic farming.”

European courts are embroiled in a Codex test case as the Alliance for Natural Health and Nutri-Link Ltd. argue that the European Union (EU) is exceeding its powers by even considering participation. Should the new law pass, as of August 1, 2005, 75 percent of the natural substances currently available in health food stores and pharmacies in Europe will become illegal. The EU decision is expected in June.

The lynchpin is that in signing the WTO treaty, members agreed to always allow the organization’s standards and regulations to supersede and take precedence over national standards, laws, and regulations. Penalties for noncompliance can include international trade sanctions “across the economic spectrum.”

Should the United States be forced to follow the European Codex model, “It will be illegal to manufacture, buy, sell, recommend, or use any but 28 ultra-low dose nutrients,” Laibow reports. Only synthetic versions will be allowed and natural supplements, herbs, enzymes and other non-pharmaceutical treatments will be banned. The only legal health option will be the pharmaceutical one.

Earlier Codex-type bills have been defeated by the U.S. Congress several times, each time by a smaller margin. Interests aligned with proponents of increased government regulation appear to include “the pesticide, chemical, pharmaceutical and dairy industries.” But others largely “absent” from official Codex deliberations are now raising their voices. A fax campaign by consumers, health scientists, physicians and natural medicine practitioners is underway to defeat the mounting threat.

Time is short. Consumers are asked to send letters voicing their opinion now. Sample letters and fax numbers for the U.S. Congressional delegation may be found at the Natural Solutions Foundation website, healthfreedomUSA.org.

Visit http://ww.HealthFreedomUSA.org to take action. Comments are welcome at http://www.HealthFreedom@OptionLine.net.