Customs officials in France have issued a stark warning against the consumption of so-called "aphrodisiac honey," which is being illegally imported from countries like Malaysia, Turkey, and Tunisia. The adulterated honey products, detected in record numbers, contain active pharmaceutical ingredients such as sildenafil and tadalafil, typically used to treat erectile dysfunction. These substances require a doctor's prescription in France, making the unregulated honey both illegal and potentially hazardous.
In recent months, the French customs have ramped up their efforts to intercept these illicit products, which often arrive in bulk via container ships or are purchased online. A notable seizure occurred in November at the port of Marseille, where authorities discovered 860,000 items weighing approximately 13 metric tonnes (14.3 tons) in a shipment from Malaysia. Additionally, another investigation led to the confiscation of over 238 kilograms (525 pounds) of these products from a storage box.
The adulterated honey is marketed under names such as Black Horse and Bio Max, and is packaged as shots or sticks. These products are often sold illicitly in venues like nightclubs, where they are advertised with promises of health benefits. However, laboratory analyses have confirmed that the honey is mixed with sildenafil and tadalafil, posing significant health risks.
“Buyers and users are unaware or underestimate the potential dangers of these products,” officials stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The French authorities continue to express concern over the potential health implications for consumers who unwittingly ingest these substances. The unregulated use of sildenafil and tadalafil can lead to severe side effects, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
“The consumer is exposed to non-negligible risks in taking this kind of adulterated honey,” officials warned, highlighting the urgency for public awareness.
The illegal trade of adulterated honey products underscores the broader issue of counterfeit goods penetrating markets worldwide. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and verify the source of such products before consumption.
