VidaSlim products recalled for 'serious or fatal' poisoning risk: FDA – National
Consumer alert: a Texas company is pulling several of its weight loss products from shelves after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found a potentially harmful ingredient in product samples.
On December 13, the FDA and the company Motivate Me Ashley announced the recall of 11 products sold under the name VidaSlim online – including to consumers in Canada – and directly through distributors.
The recall followed FDA testing, which found yellow oleander in product samples, raising concerns that other lots could also be affected.
Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant found in Mexico and Central America.
The FDA issued the warning as part of an ongoing investigation into products marketed as tejocote root – also known as Crataegus mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote or Mexican Hawthorn – found to contain yellow oleander instead.
Tejocote root is a traditional herb used for digestion, weight control, blood pressure and inflammation. However, FDA testing revealed that some products labeled as tejocote root or Brazilian seed are adulterated and contain toxic yellow oleander, which poses a major public health concern.
According to the FDA, eating yellow oleander can lead to dangerous or fatal neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects.
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Reported symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart irregularities and arrhythmia.
Ingredients involved include:
- VidaSlim 90-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules)
- 30-Day VidaSlim (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules)
- 7-Day Sample Size (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules)
- VidaSlim Hot Body Brew (strawberry and peach flavor)
Consumers who purchased VidaSlim products listed above with expiration dates between December 2024 and December 2025 are urged to discontinue use and return them to the point of purchase for an exchange for a product of equal value (proof of purchase required).
No illnesses have been reported linked to the recall, the FDA said.
For a more detailed list of affected products, visit the FDA website.
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