Back in the Day: A Glimpse of Health Food Before DSHEA
Written on
Chapter 1: The Health Food Landscape Pre-DSHEA
The health food sector underwent a significant transformation with the rise of Whole Foods Market, which emerged from Texas as the health food industry began advocating for the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). This period marked a heightened awareness of a previously understated industry.
In Chicago, journalists utilized hidden cameras to document health food store employees recommending products for disease treatment—a practice that was, and remains, prohibited. Reflecting on my experience, I began my journey in the herb department of a health food store in 1992, two years prior to DSHEA's enactment. This legislation would ultimately provide a framework for health food employees to discuss natural remedies by permitting manufacturers to use structure/function claims on product labels.
For instance, you might see a label stating it "supports a healthy digestive system." Before DSHEA, such vague terms were not permissible. Thus, without prior knowledge, seeing "aloe vera" on a label would offer little clarity regarding its benefits.
Our clientele sought alternatives to prescription medications. Many could not afford medical visits, and some found their prescribed treatments either ineffective or worsening their conditions. Most individuals I encountered in the herb section were weary of their ailments and eager to explore affordable, safe options.
If customers had a specific remedy in mind, I could assist them in finding it. However, for many, identifying helpful products was challenging, especially in an era before the internet made information about medicinal herbs accessible.
The predicament was clear: product labels lacked clarity on intended uses, and we were prohibited from suggesting remedies that could aid customers due to legal restrictions surrounding health recommendations. The American Medical Association (AMA) has historically frowned upon non-medical practitioners making health claims, which still holds true today.
To navigate these restrictions and avoid legal repercussions for unlicensed prescribing, I learned to employ a workaround that remains relevant.
When faced with the question, "Do you have anything for…?" we had to be creative in our responses.
Section 1.1: Providing Information Through Literature
We maintained a collection of reference books, magazines, and studies behind the counter in the nutrition department. One of our key resources was "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. Now in its fifth edition, this book continues to be a staple in many independent health food stores.
When customers inquired about remedies, we would direct them to the relevant section in the book, allowing them to read about their symptoms or conditions. If they were interested in the herbs or supplements mentioned, we would assist them in locating those items.
While we could discuss articles and studies, we could not guarantee that customers would achieve similar outcomes. However, sharing personal anecdotes was permissible. I could recount my own experience with aloe vera alleviating an allergic reaction, but I could not assure a customer that it would yield the same results for their specific issue.
Typically, sharing my story would suffice to encourage a purchase. Over time, trends emerged; we could inform customers about best-selling products without implying a guarantee of effectiveness. For example, I could say, "We sell a lot of this," while holding up a bottle of aloe vera juice.
Additionally, I could reference the historical use of aloe for digestive health and beauty practices dating back to Cleopatra, but I was unable to explicitly claim that it would aid digestion or relieve acid reflux.
If a significant number of users reported positive results from a historically utilized product, it provided reassurance of its safety and efficacy to potential buyers.
This is how we guided customers toward alternative health solutions without making direct recommendations. It helps explain why health food store employees might say, "You might consider trying aloe vera, as it's traditionally used to support healthy digestion," but refrain from asserting, "Aloe vera will swiftly eliminate that acid reflux."
I transitioned out of retail in the health food industry before DSHEA was enacted. In future posts, I will delve into its effects on manufacturers.
Discover the evolution of health food stores and their practices in the video "Kick a Dope Verse! Madd Bird - Back in The Day Relaxed Blend Playlist."