On Nov. 3, the agency confirmed that additional products marketed as tejocote root or Brazil seed were found to contain yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), a toxic plant native to Mexico and Central America.
These products, FDA warned, may cause “neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse health effects that may be severe, or even fatal.”
History of FDA scrutiny on yellow oleander substitutions
FDA’s latest update is part of an investigation launched after a September 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed several tejocote root products had been substituted with yellow oleander, as previously reported by NutraIngredients. FDA began targeted sampling in response.
On Jan. 4, 2024, FDA issued a public warning after confirming additional products had tested positive for yellow oleander. The agency said at the time that these supplements posed a serious health risk.
On March 12, 2024, FDA noted it had “received adverse event reports related to the products identified in this Safety Alert,” adding that while some companies had initiated voluntary recalls, “products containing toxic yellow oleander remain on the marketplace.”
Subsequent updates in April, September and December 2024 identified more adulterated products, including those sold through Amazon and other third-party fulfillment platforms.
November 2025 update signals ongoing concern
According to FDA’s update, some firms have initiated recalls, while others have not responded to FDA contact attempts or declined to recall their products, and Amazon has removed listings for certain flagged items.
“FDA analysis has determined that certain products labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed are adulterated because they contain yellow oleander,” the agency stated. It further explained that yellow oleander “is a poisonous plant… and a toxic substance of concern to public health officials.”
FDA said it is “actively working with the third-party platforms where these products are sold” and continues to monitor the market for adverse events, product complaints and emerging issues.
The list of affected products now includes more than 20 brands sold online and via independent distributors. FDA urged consumers to stop using and dispose of any products listed in the advisory, and to seek medical care even if use occurred in the past.
“Based on the FDA’s sampling and testing results thus far,” the agency said it is “also concerned that other products marketed as tejocote root…may contain yellow oleander.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and the FDA signaled that additional products may be added to the alert in the future.
