A national health organization found itself in the crosshairs of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after an inflammatory research study was reported in the media — even as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began its own investigation. In response, MCI USA convened leaders from 14 organizations in the community to act as a coalition; provided instructions and talking points to all coalition members, which were then distributed to consumers to take action; developed and conducted a survey with 21,000 responses, presenting the results to the FDA; and represented the consumer voice through invited testimony at an FDA hearing.
Results:
- The FDA and the FTC have “indefinitely delayed” any further action on this topic.
- The association continues to be viewed as the advocacy leader, convener, and voice of the consumer for the industry.
