Supplements Recall As Poisonous Plant Warning Issued

Two companies have recalled dietary supplements after testing found they contained a poisonous plant.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the announcements from the companies on its website on Friday.

Backstage Center is recalling approximately 280 bottles of Alipotec Raiz de Tejocote that are labeled with the "Alipotec King" sticker.

The company said the recall of the products, sold on amazon.com since September 15, 2023, is being initiated after testing by the FDA found they contain toxic yellow oleander instead of tejocote.

Consumption may induce serious neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular adverse health effects, according to the notice.

Symptoms may be severe or fatal, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac dysrhythmia, and more. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The company said it has received no reports of illness or injury to date about the product. Customers are advised to immediately discontinue use and visit this website for instructions on how to process the return of the recalled product.

"Backstage Center places the utmost importance on the safety and well-being of our consumers," the company said in a statement. "We deeply regret any worry or inconvenience this recall may have caused. Our commitment to resolving this issue promptly and maintaining the highest standards of product safety and quality remains steadfast."

Another company—G.A. Mart dba H&Natural—is also recalling products after random FDA testing found they contain yellow oleander.

The products in question are 2 lots of H&NATURAL TejoRoot and 2 lots of H&NATURAL Brazil Seed, which have been distributed via handnatural.com, amazon.com and walmart.com.

The company said it had received one report of a person suffering from gastrointestinal illness, including painful symptoms in conjunction with internal bleeding, in connection with H&NATURAL TejoRoot.

The company said its customers can request a refund of all recalled products by contacting them. Those who have purchased recalled products should stop using them and discard, the notice said, and anyone who has experienced problems that may be related to taking or using the products should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

It comes after the FDA warned in January that certain dietary supplements labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed are "adulterated" because testing determined that the root was actually substituted with yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America.

The FDA listed several products that it found contained yellow oleander, and warned consumers to stop using and dispose of the products. The FDA said it is "actively working" with the third-party platforms where these products are sold and that additional testing is pending.