California restricts sales of weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to minors

California has enacted a law restricting sales of certain diet pills and supplements to customers under 18. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2030 on Sept. 28. The measure covers over-the-counter diet pills and supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building, with an exception for minors who have a prescription.

Which products and sales are covered

The way a supplement is marketed matters. The law targets products labeled or promoted for weight loss or muscle building. Its restrictions also apply to covered products offered free as retail or wholesale promotions. The measure establishes identification checks and applies to delivery sales into California as well as in-person transactions.

Why California adopted the restriction

Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, a Long Beach Democrat who authored the bill, said the measure targets products sold for those specific purposes. CalMatters’ bill tracker documents supporters’ concerns about young people using weight-loss supplements and notes that Newsom vetoed a similar measure in 2022. Fox News reported Monday on the law’s scope and prescription exception.