California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation that will restrict the retail sale of certain muscle-building and weight-loss supplements to minors under the age of 18. Signed on Sept. 28, the measure is officially designated as AB 2030 and is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
The legislative action addresses growing health concerns surrounding nonprescribed, over-the-counter diet pills and dietary items marketed toward younger consumers. According to data cited by the governor's office, nearly one in 10 adolescents utilize these types of products.
Understanding the Scope of AB 2030
The new statute targets over-the-counter diet pills and dietary supplements that are specifically labeled, marketed, or represented for the purpose of losing weight or gaining muscle mass. When determining violations, courts may evaluate whether a product contains ingredients such as creatine, green tea extract, raspberry ketone, garcinia cambogia, or green coffee bean extract.
However, the legislation does not place an absolute, blanket ban on all creatine products. Instead, restrictions depend heavily on how individual items are advertised, marketed, and labeled for the consumer. Furthermore, the statute includes an exemption for minors who possess a medical prescription for an over-the-counter diet pill or dietary supplement.
Key Facts About the California Supplement Law
- Effective Date: The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
- Age Restriction: Applies to individuals under 18 years of age without a medical prescription.
- Targeted Items: Over-the-counter diet pills and supplements for weight loss or muscle building.
- Penalties: Retailers who violate the law face civil fines of up to $500 per infraction.
- Research Cited: Studies link over-the-counter diet pill use to a sixfold greater likelihood of receiving an eating disorder diagnosis within three years.
Medical Concerns and Industry Pushback
The governor's office emphasized the health risks tied to unregulated items, stating that nonprescribed and medically unapproved products can lead to dangerous side effects. Officials also noted that products can occasionally be mislabeled or contaminated with substances like steroids.
Dr. Sigrid Wolf, a pediatric sports medicine physician at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, addressed teen creatine use in an article on HealthyChildren.org. She noted that evidence of benefits is limited and warned that such substances can trigger negative side effects like weight gain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Wolf advised teens to focus instead on nutrition, training, sleep, and hydration.
The legislation has drawn mixed reactions from advocacy and trade organizations. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), based in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored the bill and voiced strong support. Jensen Jose, a regulatory counsel at CSPI, stated that manufacturers often target children and teens with deceptive claims lacking scientific backing.
Conversely, the American Herbal Products Association, located in Maryland, expressed strong opposition. Robert Marriott, the association's vice president of regulatory and government affairs, criticized the measure, stating it lacks scientific justification and creates uncertainty regarding safe products, noting that the text does not explicitly exempt protein products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AB 2030 in California?
AB 2030 is a newly signed law by Governor Gavin Newsom that restricts the sale of certain muscle-building and weight-loss supplements to minors under 18 without a prescription.
When does the California supplement law take effect?
The legislation is scheduled to officially go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
What are the penalties for violating the new supplement rules?
Sellers who fail to adhere to the restrictions face civil fines of up to $500 for each individual violation.