The FDA has issued an urgent safety warning about weight loss supplements that contain a deadly poisonous plant instead of their advertised ingredients. The agency tested multiple products marketed as tejocote root or Brazil seed and discovered they actually contain yellow oleander, a toxic substance that can cause severe neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular adverse health effects, potentially resulting in death.

What Is Yellow Oleander and Why Is It Dangerous?

Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America that has become a public health concern due to its presence in dietary supplements. The FDA determined that certain products labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed are adulterated because they contain yellow oleander instead of the labeled ingredients. This substitution appears to be intentional, as the agency's investigation has expanded beyond just tejocote products to include other botanical supplements marketed for weight loss.

The health risks associated with consuming yellow oleander are serious. Products containing this toxic substance can cause severe adverse effects affecting the heart, digestive system, and nervous system. Some of the recalled products contain additional hidden drug ingredients that may trigger life-threatening reactions when combined with yellow oleander.

How Many Products Are Affected by This Recall?

The FDA has identified and added over 20 products to its safety alert list, with the most recent additions announced on August 12, 2026. The affected products come from multiple selling firms and are sold across various online platforms, including Amazon, eBay, and independent websites. Three products were added to the warning list on the same day, all from Suerte Y Salud LLC and sold through lamilagrosalab.com.

The products on the FDA's list include various brands marketed under names such as Slim Elixir, D Magic Plus, B. Magi, Chupa Panza, SdB Semilla de Brasil Tejocote Root, SdB Elite, SiluetaYa Mexican Tejocote Roots, New Me, VidaSlim, and multiple ALIPOTEC brand products. Some selling firms have committed to recalls, while others have not responded to FDA communications or have declined to recall their products.

What Should Consumers Do If They've Used These Products?

The FDA is advising consumers to take immediate action if they have purchased or used any of these contaminated supplements. Here are the critical steps to follow:

• Stop Use Immediately: Discontinue using any of the products listed in the FDA's safety alert and dispose of them properly to prevent accidental consumption.
• Seek Medical Evaluation: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have taken any of these products, even if you haven't used them recently, so that an appropriate medical evaluation can be conducted.
• Call Emergency Services: If you or someone in your care experiences serious side effects from these products, call 911 or seek emergency medical help right away.
• Contact Poison Control: Consumers can also reach out to their state poison control center for guidance and support regarding potential exposure to yellow oleander.

How Did the FDA Discover This Contamination?

The FDA's investigation began following a September 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that identified several tejocote root products substituted with yellow oleander. Based on this report, the FDA initiated a comprehensive investigation to sample and test additional tejocote root products. As part of the agency's ongoing surveillance sampling efforts, the FDA continues to test products marketed as tejocote root and related botanical weight loss supplements.

The agency's analytical testing has confirmed that products labeled with various names, including Crataegus mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote, and Mexican Hawthorn, may contain yellow oleander. Additionally, the FDA has determined that some dietary supplements not labeled to contain tejocote root may also contain this toxic substance, indicating a broader contamination problem than initially suspected.

What Are the Regulatory Challenges in Catching These Contaminated Supplements?

The FDA's struggle to identify and remove these products highlights significant gaps in supplement oversight. Many selling firms have not responded to FDA calls or emails, making it difficult for the agency to coordinate recalls. Some companies have declined to recall their products despite FDA testing confirming the presence of yellow oleander. The FDA has been unable to contact certain firms, and some have only removed their listings from online platforms without issuing formal recalls.

The agency is actively working with third-party platforms where these products are sold, including Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, to remove listings and prevent further consumer exposure. However, the decentralized nature of online supplement sales and the difficulty in tracking sellers across multiple platforms present ongoing challenges to the FDA's enforcement efforts.

The FDA's investigation remains ongoing, and the agency will continue to provide information on any further actions as it becomes available. Products may be added to the advisory as additional testing is completed. The FDA is monitoring the market for adverse events, product complaints, and other emerging issues related to botanical weight loss supplements.