From our president

This monthly letter to subscribers from Consumers Union President Jim Guest highlights the critical consumer issues behind our current reports. See archived letters.

Worlds better

"During our market surveillance we have discovered several supermarkets selling fat rather than meat," reads the press release from the Consumer Council of Fiji.

That disgusting problem seems as remote from our lives as Fiji itself. In the U.S. we face our own safety and quality issues, but consumer groups in Fiji and dozens of other countries around the world struggle to lock in the most basic rights and protections.

They're not alone. More than 225 consumer groups, including Consumers Union, are united and bolstered by Consumers International, a federation that this year marks its 50th anniversary. CI provides support and training to organizations around the globe, especially fledgling ones such as the Institute for Consumer Protection in Mauritius, which has only one full-time staffer. Thanks to CI's work, consumer groups are strengthened in Bangladesh, Mali, Honduras, Tajikistan, and 111 other countries.

The Consumer's Voice

Consumers International also campaigns for consumers at the highest levels of international policymaking, representing people living in tough political and economic environments who would not otherwise have a voice on the world stage.

CI's efforts have led to the removal of dangerous drugs from the market, the creation of standards for infant formula, the regulation of hazardous pesticides, and an awareness of the health effects of marketing junk food to kids.

The organization isn't letting up. Among many other campaigns, it's defending consumers' financial rights in the midst of economic upheaval and their access to safe and affordable energy, food, and water.

We're proud to be a loyal supporter and an active member of Consumers International, and I'm honored to serve as its vice president. For more information, go to www.consumersinternational.org.

Jim Guest
President