(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) released the below statement following the passage of A1848 by the New Jersey Assembly today. This legislation seeks to ban the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss diet pills and dietary supplements marketed for weight loss and muscle building to individuals under 18 years old. While CHPA accepts age restrictions on products explicitly marketed for weight loss, recent amendments to the bill have broadened its scope. The changes now unnecessarily encompass general health supplements containing certain ingredients – including creatine and green tea extract – which are commonly used in many products unrelated to weight loss.
"CHPA recognizes and shares the Assembly's commitment to preventing the potential misuse of consumer healthcare products by minors,” said CHPA’s Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs Carlos Gutiérrez, “which is why we fully support thoughtful age restrictions on products explicitly marketed for weight loss. A1848, as passed today, unfortunately misses the mark by extending far beyond its intended purpose.
“The bill’s overly broad language now captures numerous dietary supplement products that have nothing to do with weight loss, including safe and beneficial products many New Jerseyans rely on to support bone health, muscle recovery, and to promote cognitive function. CHPA has demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively with the Assembly on crafting legislation that precisely targets weight loss products to avoid sweeping restrictions against supplements consumers use daily to support their wellness needs. We plan to work with the New Jersey Senate to improve this legislation so that it achieves its intended goal of educating and protecting our youth against potential misuse without hindering access for the millions of New Jerseyans who rely on the daily use of these products."
