Schwarzenegger’s Background Affects Debate Over Dietary Supplement Regulation Legislation
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) background "colors an otherwise typical tug of war between consumer advocates and free-market proponents" over a "handful of bills" that lawmakers hope to pass before the Legislature adjourns on Aug. 31, the Sacramento Bee reports. The legislation includes SB 779, a bill sponsored by Sen. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo) that would require dietary supplement manufacturers to report the adverse health effects of their products to the Department of Health Services.
Schwarzenegger, a former Mr. Olympia, earlier this year said that he opposes the use of performance enhancers in sports but acknowledged that in the 1970s he used steroids that are illegal today. In addition, Schwarzenegger has said that most dietary supplements are safe and do not require federal regulation. He also serves as executive editor of Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines, "whose pages are filled with ads for various powders and pills," according to the Bee.
Speier said the bill "would specifically affect the companies that underwrite the magazines he's now executive editor of," adding that the companies oppose such legislation (Talev, Sacramento Bee, 8/23).