Use of “aphrodisiac honey” is growing despite potentially serious health risks, French customs officials warn

French customs officials said on Monday that a record 31,000 tonnes of honey imported into the country last year were seized illegally, but often tainted with erectile dysfunction drugs – marketed as natural sex enhancers.

Honey and gel packets, sold as “shots” or “sticks” under names like Black Horse or Bio Max, are often sold clandestinely in clubs and other nightlife venues.

The use of “aphrodisiac honey” has increased in recent years, with officials warning of potentially serious health risks from off-label ingredients.

“Since the amount of errors is unknown and the doses consumed are not recommended or measured, the consumer bears significant risks by consuming this type of fake honey,” the French Customs Office said. statement.

They often contain chemicals such as sildenafil or tadalafil erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis available only by prescription in France.

Already in 2021, health authorities have warned of several cases of honey causing seizures, brain edema or acute kidney injury.

The French Customs Department said that 31,000 tons were seized, mainly from countries including Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia and Thailand.

“They arrive by sea, in large containers, or by express cargo, in smaller volumes, after shopping on the Internet,” the office said.

The largest find was in November in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille — 13 tons worth of about 860,000 bars shipped from Malaysia.

Last June, officials said customs officials in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand seized about 25,000 doses of honey in a storage box.