California is set to impose strict new rules on the sale of weight-loss and muscle-building supplements, requiring retailers to verify the age of buyers starting January 1, 2027. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2030 into law in September, mandating that stores card any customer who appears under 18 before selling certain dietary supplements.
The law, authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), targets products marketed for muscle growth or weight loss, including creatine, green tea extract, and garcinia cambogia. Retailers face fines of $500 per violation, and the state attorney general, county counsel, or city attorneys can pursue legal action against non-compliant businesses.
Expanding Restrictions on Minors
Lowenthal framed the law as a response to aggressive social media marketing that he says pressures teenagers into buying untested supplements promising dramatic body changes. “Kids are being pushed to buy untested supplements promising dramatic effects on their bodies,” he said, referring to internet-driven “looksmaxxing” trends.
However, supplement industry groups have criticized the bill’s broad language, warning that it could inadvertently restrict access to general wellness products. The Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association argue that the criteria could unintentionally cover protein powders, multivitamins, and even fiber supplements. “We believe in identifying actual risks and addressing them directly,” said Steve Mister of the nutrition council.
Legal Challenges and Industry Pushback
The American Herbal Products Association voiced concerns that ingredient-based definitions might unfairly lump everyday vitamins and protein powders with weight-loss products. Meanwhile, some small business owners, like supplement shop owner Lucia Clevenger, suggest parents—not laws—should oversee their children’s supplement use.
California follows New York, which enacted similar restrictions in 2023. Industry groups have challenged that law in court, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment rights by regulating how products are marketed. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon weigh in.
Online sellers must comply by verifying buyers’ age using government data or requiring adult signatures upon delivery. This law is the latest in a series of measures restricting minors’ access to certain products under Newsom’s tenure, including smartphone restrictions in schools.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/health/2026/11/09/california-supplement-id-law-minors-creatine/