The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Issues Warning about Certain Supplements Substituted with Toxic Yellow Oleander
Tuesday January 13, 2026
The MDHHS Environmental Health Bureau is notifying you that the FDA recently issued a warning concerning certain dietary supplements labeled as tejocote root (Brazil seed) that have been found to contain toxic yellow oleander
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Environmental Health Bureau is notifying you that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning concerning certain dietary supplements labeled as tejocote root (Crataegus mexicana) or Brazil seed that have been found to contain toxic yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana). Some products included in the warning are branded as weight loss supplements. MDHHS is issuing this alert because many products are still available online.
Recommended actions:
- The FDA advises consumers to stop using these products and throw them away.
- Consumers who have swallowed any of these products should contact their health care provider immediately, even if the products have not been used recently, so that an appropriate evaluation may be conducted.
- Call 9-1-1 or get emergency medical help right away if you or someone in your care experiences serious side effects from these products.
- Consumers can also contact the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center. The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center can provide access to 24-hour emergency advice and information related to poisonings at 1-800-222-1222.
Background:
Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America and is considered a toxic substance. Ingestion can cause severe health effects involving the nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, and can result in death.
All products analyzed by the FDA were sold online through various vendors, including Amazon, eBay and Etsy. Based on information available, it is unknown if products can be found in stores in Michigan. The FDA is continuing to identify and test suspect products as part of its surveillance efforts. A complete list of products can be found on the FDA page for this safety alert.
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