New York enforces age checks for weight loss and muscle supplements

A new law in New York State now requires companies selling certain dietary supplements to verify customers’ ages. The rule took effect on 22 April 2023 and targets products marketed for weight loss or muscle building. Businesses must check if their offerings fall under the new requirements. The law applies to supplements containing specific ingredients. These include creatine, green tea extract, raspberry ketone, Garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean extract, steroids, or FDA-approved substances for weight loss or muscle gain. Companies must review their protein products, ingredients, and any health claims made on packaging or in advertising.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) has challenged the legislation in court. It filed a lawsuit in New York’s Eastern District in December 2022. Meanwhile, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) also sought to block the law but was denied a preliminary injunction by the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York. Businesses selling affected supplements must now comply with age-verification checks. The law remains in place despite ongoing legal challenges. Companies are advised to assess their products and adjust sales practices accordingly.