California Bills May Impact Industry

SACREMENTO--Five bills were introduced to the California Senate pertaining to dietary supplements. SB 1948, introduced Feb. 22 by Sen. Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont), asks that warning labels be clear and conspicuous on both the product and the product's advertisement. SB 1964, introduced Feb. 22 by Sen. Dede Alpert (D-San Diego), would make it unlawful to sell any substance to persons under 18--with the exception of caffeine--that has been banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This would include products containing ephedrine, androstenedione and HGH. SB 1610, introduced Feb. 21 by Sen. Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey), asks for disclosure of trans fatty acids present in dietary supplements manufactured and distributed in California.

Sen. Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco), a long-time pundit against ephedra supplements, introduced two bills. SB 1562, introduced Feb. 20, asks that school districts be required to instruct on the effects of using performance-enhancing substances. And SB 1750, introduced Feb. 21, asks that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids, creatine and androstenedione have labeled warnings. Also, this bill would make it a misdemeanor for any manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer to sell products with these three ingredients to minors under 18 years old. For more information about these bills, visithttp://info.sen.ca.gov.