FDA Urges Immediate Disposal of Supplements Contaminated with Poisonous Plant

One of the affected productsPhoto byFDA

As of today, the FDA has expanded its safety alert to include three more supplement products, warning consumers about several dietary supplements marketed as tejocote root (Crataegus mexicana) or Brazil seed that have been adulterated with toxic yellow oleander, a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America. Consuming yellow oleander can lead to severe health effects, including neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues, which may be fatal.

As of January 2024, the FDA has tested 18 product samples, many of which were sold through platforms like Amazon and independent distributors. Some companies, such as Alipotec and World Green Nutrition, have initiated recalls for products found to contain yellow oleander. However, other firms have refused or been unable to recall their products, and the FDA remains concerned that these toxic supplements are still being sold.

In September 2023, the CDC reported multiple cases of tejocote root supplements being substituted with yellow oleander, prompting the FDA to investigate further. Since then, additional products have been tested, and more adverse event reports, including one serious case linked to Green ELV Nutrition’s Elv Control Herbal Supplement, have surfaced.

Consumers are strongly advised to avoid these products and dispose of them immediately. The FDA urges those who have ingested any of these supplements to contact a healthcare provider, even if no symptoms are present, as toxic effects may still occur. Emergency medical attention should be sought if serious symptoms arise. The FDA continues to monitor the situation, working with third-party platforms to remove the toxic products from the marketplace.

More information on the alert can be found on the FDA's website here.