California Enacts AB 2030, Imposing Age Restrictions on Dietary Supplements

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2030 into law on September 28, 2026, establishing new age restrictions on the sale of certain dietary supplements. This legislation prohibits the sale of weight loss and muscle-building supplements to individuals under 18 years old, a development that has drawn strong criticism from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a leading trade association for the dietary supplement industry.

The CRN expressed deep disappointment with the enactment of AB 2030, arguing that these "unfounded" restrictions will limit consumer access and infringe upon truthful commercial speech. The new law marks a significant development in the regulation of dietary supplements in California, following previous legislative attempts and ongoing industry challenges to similar laws in other states, particularly New York.

California Enacts AB 2030: New Age Restrictions on Dietary Supplements

Assembly Bill 2030, now officially Chapter 720, Statutes of 2026, specifically targets dietary supplements marketed for weight loss and muscle building, as well as over-the-counter diet pills. Under the provisions of this new law, retailers and delivery sellers operating within California are prohibited from selling or giving away these specified products to any individual under the age of 18. To ensure compliance, the legislation mandates that sellers verify the age of purchasers, requiring identification checks for all transactions involving these categories of supplements.

Violations of AB 2030 will result in civil penalties. The legislative analysis supporting the bill cited significant public health concerns, including potential risks such as organ failure and heart attack, and highlighted the fact that dietary supplements do not undergo premarket approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Proponents of the bill argued that unrestricted youth access to these products poses substantial threats, linking their use to serious health issues like eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been actively involved in addressing the potential risks associated with these supplements, having previously established an AB 1341 Workgroup in response to a similar bill that was vetoed in 2022.

Industry Opposition: CRN's Concerns Over Access and Free Speech

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has been a vocal and persistent opponent of AB 2030, engaging in what it described as "tireless advocacy" against its passage. Following Governor Newsom's signing of the bill, the CRN reiterated its commitment to defending consumer access to dietary supplements and promoting science-based policy in the face of what it considers unsupported restrictions on weight management and sports nutrition dietary supplements.

A primary concern for the CRN centers on the law's implications for truthful commercial speech, raising significant First Amendment questions. The association highlighted these constitutional issues in its veto request for AB 2030, drawing direct parallels to its ongoing legal challenge against New York's similar age-restriction law. In March 2026, the CRN filed a petition seeking U.S. Supreme Court review of the New York law, arguing that its restrictions improperly hinge on how otherwise lawful products are marketed. The CRN also expressed concern that the broad scope of AB 2030 could subject a wide range of products, not typically considered weight loss or muscle-building supplements, to the proposed restrictions based solely on the identification of their ingredients, potentially impacting products containing common nutrients like protein and vitamin D.

Legislative Journey of California's AB 2030 and Related Actions

The enactment of AB 2030 follows a series of legislative efforts and industry responses concerning age restrictions on dietary supplements in California and beyond. This timeline outlines the key events leading to the current law and related legal challenges, providing context for the recent developments.

The progression of AB 2030 through the California legislative process, including multiple committee hearings in both the Assembly and Senate, indicates a sustained effort to address perceived public health threats associated with youth access to these products. The bill's signing by Governor Newsom underscores the state's commitment to these new age restrictions, despite the industry's strong opposition and ongoing legal battles in other jurisdictions.

Assessing the Immediate Impact and Future Challenges

California consumers under 18 will face immediate restrictions on purchasing certain weight loss and muscle-building dietary supplements, while retailers must implement age verification processes and risk civil penalties for non-compliance. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has pledged to continue its defense of consumer access and science-based policy, particularly as its challenge to New York's similar law is pending U.S. Supreme Court review.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is prepared to work with the legislature in the next session to address sales age limits and other potential legislative actions regarding the responsible sale of dietary supplements. The measurable indicator of the law's impact will be the implementation of age verification checks at retail points of sale and any future legal challenges or legislative amendments related to the scope or enforcement of AB 2030.

Sources

• AB 2030: Dietary supplements for weight loss and over-the-counter diet pills. — Calmatters
• CRN Cautions California Consumers — CRNUSA
• SJUD