- Recall Issued: December 13, 2024
- Announced By: FDA
- Company: Motivate Me Ashley, LLC
- Product: VidaSlim dietary supplements and Hot Body Brew
- Reason: Presence of toxic yellow oleander
- Details: Includes VidaSlim 90-day, 30-day, 7-day Original Root, Root Plus, Root Capsules, and Hot Body Brew (Strawberry and Peach flavors)
- Action: Stop using these products immediately; refer to the label for identification
Stick around to find out more about this recall and what steps to take next!
What happened?
Motivate Me Ashley, LLC, based in San Antonio, Texas, issued a voluntary recall for several VidaSlim products on December 13, 2024. Testing by the FDA detected toxic yellow oleander in these dietary supplements. Yellow oleander exposure can lead to severe neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular effects, making this recall crucial for public safety.
Recalled products:
Product Name | Packaging Description | Expiration Date |
VidaSlim 90-day Original Root | White bottle measuring 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide with a green label | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim 90-day Root Capsules | White bottle measuring 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide with an orange label | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim 90-day Root Plus | White bottle measuring 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide with a blue label | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim 30-day Original Root | White bottle measuring 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide with a green label | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim 30-day Root Capsules | White bottle measuring 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide with an orange label | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim 30-day Root Plus | White bottle measuring 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide with a blue label | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim Hot Body Brew (in peach and strawberry flavors) | Black pouch measuring 11 inches tall and 6 inches wide | 12/24 through 12/25 |
VidaSlim 7-day Sample Pouches for Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules | Silver pouch with green, blue, and orange labeling respectively | 12/24 through 12/25 |
The products were distributed through the company’s website and independent distributors. Check the bottom or back of the packaging for expiration dates to confirm if your product is affected.
What caused the issue?
The recall stems from FDA tests that uncovered the presence of yellow oleander, a plant toxin harmful to human health. Symptoms from consumption include:
- Neurological: Dizziness and confusion
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Cardiovascular: Arrhythmias and heart-related complications
Yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) is a highly toxic plant often found in tropical and subtropical regions. Its seeds, leaves, and flowers contain cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and lead to severe health consequences if ingested.
Yellow oleander is dangerous, even in small quantities. While no illnesses have been reported yet, consuming affected products could result in serious health issues, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of ingestion and may require immediate medical attention.
- What is yellow oleander? It is a plant known for its toxic properties, particularly its impact on the heart and nervous system.
- How did it end up in these products? Likely through contamination during ingredient sourcing or production.
- Are all VidaSlim products affected? Only those with expiration dates between 12/24 and 12/25.
- What symptoms should I look for? Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, and heart irregularities.
- Has anyone gotten sick? No illnesses have been reported so far.
- Can I get a refund? Yes, affected products can be returned for a replacement.
- Where can I check my product? Look for the expiration date on the bottom or back of the package.
- Is it safe to use other dietary supplements? Always verify the safety and sourcing of any supplement before use.
- What should I do if I consume an affected product? Seek medical advice immediately, especially if symptoms develop.
- How can I ensure my supplements are safe? Purchase from reputable brands that prioritize quality testing and transparency.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check the Label: Look for expiration dates between 12/24 and 12/25.
- Stop Use: Discontinue the use of any affected product immediately.
- Return the Product: Send it back to the place of purchase for a replacement (proof of purchase required).
- Contact VidaSlim:
- Phone: (210) 334-0664 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM CT)
- Email: [email protected]
Behind the brand
Motivate Me Ashley, LLC, known for its VidaSlim dietary supplements, has faced a significant challenge with this recall. While this is the first major recall for the brand, it highlights the importance of rigorous quality control. Similar recalls in the past weeks, such as the Buy-Herbal recall involving contaminated supplements, underscore the need for heightened vigilance across the dietary supplement industry. Another similar recall is: “FDA issues warning after toxic Yellow Oleander found in weight loss supplements“.
“Effective recalls are about more than damage control—they’re a chance to demonstrate leadership in consumer safety. A swift, transparent response turns a challenge into an opportunity to strengthen trust and loyalty.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall underscores the vital role of robust quality control and transparency in protecting consumer health. Contamination issues like this can damage brand trust and disrupt supply chains. For manufacturers, maintaining rigorous testing protocols is critical to prevent such incidents.
- Protecting consumer health should always be the top priority.
- Manufacturers must adopt proactive testing methods to avoid product recalls.
- Collaboration with trusted ingredient suppliers ensures quality and safety at every stage of production.
If you’re concerned about product safety or need guidance on sourcing high-quality ingredients, our team at Source86 is here to help. Contact us today or explore our range of safe and reliable ingredients—because quality matters!
