Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs A supplement which was recalled at the end of 2024 has been given the highest recall classification for its removal.Several VidaSlim supplements were voluntarily removed from shelves by their distributor Motivate Me Ashley, LLC of San Antonio after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a recall for their products on December 11.Now, the FDA has provided the supplements recall with its classification, labeling it as a Class 1 recall. The FDA said this is “due to the presence of Toxic yellow oleander.”Why It MattersA Class 1 recall means, per the FDA, exposure or consumption of these supplements could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death.”Ingestion of toxic yellow oleander, which was present in the recalled supplements, can result in adverse effects to the brain, stomach, and heart, which are sometimes fatal.VidaSlim has been contacted via email for comment.
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration building at the agency’s campus in Silver Spring, Md., on Aug. 2, 2018.
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration building at the agency’s campus in Silver Spring, Md., on Aug. 2, 2018.
Jacquelyn Martin, File/AP Photo
What To KnowMotivate Me Ashley removed 760 units of their VidaSlim 90-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 30-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 7-day Sample Size (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), and VidaSlim Hot Body Brew (Strawberry and Peach flavors) from shelves in December. They were issued their recall classification on February 3.Following the recall, Motivate Me Ashley said: “To date, VidaSlim has not received reports of illnesses related to the consumption of this product. In the interest of safety, this recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”They are not the only weight loss supplement to include yellow oleander, as the FDA issued a warning in 2023 and then again in 2024 that several weight loss products that claimed to contain tejocote root or Brazil seed actually contained the highly toxic plant yellow oleander.While VidaSlim has initiated its recall, the FDA said several other weight loss companies could not be contacted by the administration. They are working with third-party platforms, such as Amazon, where these products are sold to ensure they are removed.All parts of the yellow oleander plant can be very dangerous to consume, especially for children and people with pre-existing conditions, as it can lead to “nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia, and more,” per the FDA.Mount Sinai Hospital encourages people to call poison control if they or someone they know has ingested yellow oleander. Symptoms of yellow oleander poisoning can last between 1-3 days and may result in a hospital stay.What People Are SayingMotivate Me Ashley: “Consumers who have purchased the VidaSlim products …with expiration dates between 12/24 (December 2024) and 12/25 (December 2025) are urged to discontinue use of the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase to be exchanged for a product of equal value (proof of purchase required).”What Happens NextThe recall was initiated last year, and the supplements are no longer for sale on the VidaSlim website. Customers are encouraged to check their supplements to ensure they are safe to consume.
