Check your cabinets! The FDA has widened its recall of supplements containing a deadly toxin. New Me and Vida Slim join 24 other products found with yellow oleander, a toxic plant from Mexico and Central America.
The recall traces back to a CDC report from September 2023, revealing that products labeled with tejocote root actually contained yellow oleander. When taken as a supplement, yellow oleander can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, heart issues, irregular heartbeats, and additional symptoms.
The FDA Broadens Its Recall of 'Toxic' Yellow Oleander Supplements to Include Two Additional Products: New Me and Vida Slim
Further examinations revealed that other weight loss products, branded under names like Crataegus Mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote, and Mexican Hawthorn, might include yellow oleander. These items were available on their own websites, in addition to being offered by third-party vendors such as Amazon and Etsy.
According to the FDA's statement, "FDA analysis has determined that certain products labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed are adulterated because they were tested and found to be substituted with yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America."
The Bottom Line
The message continued, deeming it to be a "toxic substance of concern to public health officials. In other words, the tested products that were labeled as tejocote or Brazil seed are actually toxic yellow oleander." As of December 3rd, the FDA noted that the agency "tested as many as 18 samples," and "found them to contain yellow oleander."
Federal authorities have reported receiving notifications about negative responses to the products, including one severe case. The FDA suggests that individuals stop using these items immediately and dispose of them.
They also encourage anyone who has used these products to reach out to their healthcare professional for an assessment.
