A new state law will prohibit minors from purchasing diet pills or supplements intended for muscle building or weight loss in order to prevent eating disorders. The legislation, set to take effect on Monday, bans the sale of over-the-counter dietary supplements to individuals under the age of 18, while still allowing exemptions for certain protein powders, drinks, and foods. Assemblymember Nily Rozic, a sponsor of the bill, views this as a crucial step in combatting diet culture and ensuring the safety of young consumers. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in October.
Violators of the new law could face civil penalties up to $500, and Attorney General Letitia James has the authority to request a warning in court in cases of suspected violations. Industry groups attempted to stop enforcement of the law, but a federal judge denied the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s preliminary injunction as two lawsuits challenging the law proceed through the courts. The council, representing dietary supplement manufacturers and distributors, raised concerns about the ambiguity of the bill, focusing on marketing rather than consumption, and lacking clear guidelines for compliance. They also dispute any causal link between dietary supplements and eating disorders.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition criticized the law for being based on an unscientific argument that dietary supplements lead to eating disorders in young people, despite research showing otherwise. The council’s CEO, Steve Mister, argued that the law would hinder families in New York State from accessing trusted nutrition products that they use to maintain their health. Rozic and Senator Shelley Mayer, fellow sponsors of the bill, stated that their intention was to regulate the marketing and advertising to minors by establishing age verification guidelines for retailers and delivery sellers. Another federal court halted proceedings in a separate lawsuit filed by the Natural Products Association, pending the outcome in the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s case.
Overall, the implementation of this new law represents a significant step towards safeguarding the well-being of young consumers by restricting their access to certain dietary supplements that could potentially lead to eating disorders. While industry groups have raised concerns about the law’s impact on businesses and argue against its scientific basis, supporters view it as a necessary measure to combat harmful diet culture and promote safer practices among minors. The legal challenges and debates surrounding this legislation highlight the complexity of regulating the sale and marketing of dietary supplements, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable populations like adolescents from potential health risks associated with these products. Ultimately, the enforcement and outcomes of this law will likely have far-reaching implications for the dietary supplement industry and public health efforts aimed at preventing eating disorders.
