AB 2030 prohibits the sale of dietary supplements that are “labeled, marketed or otherwise represented for weight loss or muscle building,” and over-the-counter diet pills to consumers under 18 (with an exception for those who have a prescription). It establishes age-verification requirements for retail and remote sales and authorizes civil penalties up to $500 per violation.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), and Natural Products Association (NPA) expressed disappointment with Newsom’s decision.

“This is a deeply disappointing outcome for consumers and responsible businesses, and a missed opportunity for California to pursue a more thoughtful approach,” said Steve Mister, president and CEO of CRN. “Protecting young people from eating disorders is an important objective that we share. But that objective deserves policies grounded in evidence—not broad restrictions that cast suspicion on lawful products without establishing that those restrictions will address the problem.”

“Lacking any scientific justification, AB 2030 casts a shadow over safe, beneficial products. AHPA and the aligned trade will consider all available legislative, administrative, and legal options to address the many problems this law creates,” said AHPA Vice President for Regulatory & Government Affairs Robert Marriott.

“CHPA is disappointed that AB 2030, as signed into law, does not strike a better balance between our shared goal of protecting minors and preserving access to safe, beneficial products for adults who use them responsibly. We remain concerned that the law’s broad criteria could restrict access to dietary supplements containing ingredients with legitimate uses beyond weight loss or muscle building, including ingredients widely found in products that support general health, nutrition, and wellness,” said Carlos I. Gutiérrez, vice president of state and local government affairs at CHPA. “Throughout the legislative process, CHPA worked constructively with lawmakers to address these concerns. We remain committed to working with California policymakers and public health officials on approaches that protect young people while preserving appropriate access and choice for adult consumers.

“California’s enactment of AB 2030 should be a warning sign for the dietary supplement industry nationwide,” said Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of NPA. “When individual states begin creating their own restrictions for products that are already subject to a comprehensive federal regulatory framework, the result is an increasingly unworkable patchwork of conflicting requirements for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. NPA was able to secure a veto last time, we were the only ones who asked and were able to get it. All of the added voices on these issues diluted the industry’s credibility this go around. The industry is losing the messaging battle when 20 states have had these (age restriction) proposals in the past four years.”

For more information, visit www.crnusa.org, www.ahpa.org, www.chpa.org or www.npanational.org.