Customs officials in France have issued a warning against the consumption of so-called 'aphrodisiac honey' that has been illegally imported and mixed with medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction. The alert comes after a surge in seizures of these products in 2024, with a notable increase in recent years.
One significant incident involved the discovery of 860,000 adulterated products weighing a total of 13 metric tonnes at the port of Marseille in a shipment from Malaysia. Additionally, more than 238 kilograms were seized in a separate investigation.
Erectile dysfunction, a common condition characterized by the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for sexual activity, is typically treated with prescription medications. However, the illicit honey products containing active ingredients like sildenafil and tadalafil, commonly used in erectile dysfunction drugs, have been traced back to countries such as Malaysia, Turkey, and Tunisia.
These products, marketed under names like Black Horse and Bio Max and often sold in venues like nightclubs, promise health benefits without disclosing the quantity of active ingredients per dose or potential side effects. Consumers are urged to be cautious as the risks associated with consuming such adulterated honey are significant.
While erectile dysfunction is more prevalent in older men and can be linked to factors like low testosterone levels, medications for this condition can also counteract the effects of substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana, which may impact sexual function.
French authorities emphasize the importance of avoiding these unauthorized products and highlight the dangers posed by their consumption. Laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of erectile dysfunction medications in the adulterated honey, underscoring the need for vigilance and adherence to prescribed treatments.
