California Advances Assembly Bill 2030 on Age Restrictions for Weight-Loss and Muscle-Building Supplements

On June 30, 2026, the California Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Assembly Bill 2030 (AB 2030), authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal.¹ This development marks a step toward implementing statewide age restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills and dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building. The bill, introduced in February 2026, previously passed the Senate Health Committee with a 9–0 vote.² The bill was re-referred to the Appropriations Committee on July 2, 2026.

“The growing public health threat posed by youth access to over-the-counter diet bills and muscle-building supplements is concerning and deserves immediate action,” the bill’s author stated. “Because dietary supplements are not subject to the same premarket approval standards as prescription medications, dangerous products often remain on store shelves until after significant harm occurs. Federal oversight by the FDA usually only occurs after injuries have been reported, leaving our young population vulnerable to unsafe and misleading products.”

Which Products Fall Under the Scope of This Bill?

Sponsored by the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED), the bill defines a "dietary supplement for weight loss or muscle building" as any product under 21 U.S.C. 321(ff) that is “labeled, marketed, or otherwise represented for the purpose of achieving weight loss or building muscle.” Courts are authorized to consider specified factors when evaluating whether a product falls under this marketing classification rather than relying solely on explicit label text.

What Restrictions Does AB 2030 Place on Supplement Sales?

AB 2030 directly impacts retail and wholesale distribution structures within the state. Under its provisions, retail establishments and delivery sellers are prohibited from selling, offering to sell, or distributing these products as promotions to individuals under 18 years of age, unless the minor possesses a valid prescription.

For retail establishments, the legislation mandates age identification checks for any purchaser who does not reasonably appear to be over 18 years old. Physical retail stores are also permitted to restrict product access to prevent unauthorized handling.

How Are E-Commerce and Delivery Sales Impacted?

The operational parameters for online, mail-order, and telephone fulfillment operations are also outlined. "Delivery sellers" must implement a multi-step compliance process for all remote orders. Sellers are required to collect the purchaser's full name, date of birth, and residential address, and verify this data using an independent, commercially available database primarily derived from government sources. Furthermore, shipping methods must require an adult signature upon delivery, accompanied by photo identification verifying the recipient is at least 18 years old.

How Will the New Regulations Be Enforced?

Enforcement of AB 2030 relies on civil litigation rather than the criminal penalties outlined in the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The California Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorneys may seek injunctions and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Prevailing plaintiffs are also eligible for reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

What Are the Regulatory Origins and Industry Concerns?

The legislation faces industry opposition from trade groups, including the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA). Proponents argue the restrictions mitigate health risks associated with adolescent eating disorders. Conversely, industry representatives have historically expressed concerns over the scope of product definitions and retail compliance logistics.

“Many basic nutrients play a role in muscle development and metabolic systems, including protein and vitamin D (creatine, explicitly mentioned in the bill, is similarly a deeply studied ingredient used safely across many demographics),” AHPA highlighted in its opposition statement. “A wide range of products not normally considered weight loss or musclebuilding supplements would thus be subject to the proposed restriction based solely on the identification of their ingredients.”

Similar legislation, AB 1341, was vetoed in 2022 due to regulatory execution concerns, leading to a California Department of Public Health workgroup that informed the current legislative framework.³

With its passage through the Judiciary Committee, AB 2030 moves closer to a full Senate vote, potentially altering the regulatory landscape for supplement manufacturers selling into the California market.

References

1. California Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee Analysis: AB 2030 (Lowenthal) - Version: April 16, 2026. June 30, 2026. Accessed July 10, 2026. https://sjud.senate.ca.gov/system/files/2026-06/ab-2030-lowenthal-sjud-analysis.pdf
2. AB-2030 Dietary supplements for weight loss and over-the-counter diet pills: Bill History. California Legislative Information. Accessed July 10, 2026. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2030
3. Krawiec S. California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoes bill restricting access to weight management dietary supplements. September 30, 2026. Accessed July 10, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/california-governor-gavin-newsom-vetoes-bill-restricting-access-to-weight-management-dietary-supplements