France issues health warning as demand for ‘Viagra’ honey surges

RFI

26 January 2025 at 6:24 am·1-min read

Last year French customs seized 31,000 tonnes of illegally imported honey which claims to be an all-natural sexual performance booster, but is often laced with drugs such as Viagra.

A record 31,000 tonnes of illegally imported honey touted as an all-natural sexual performance enhancer were seized in France last year. Health authorities are warning of serious risks, saying the substance is often laced with erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra.

France's customs agency said on Monday said they had seen a surge in the illegal import of so-called "love honey" in recent years, and warned in a statement that its consumption can be "dangerous".

The honey claims to be an all-natural aphrodisiac but is in fact laced with active elements of the prescription drugs Viagra and Cialis, which are used to treat erectile dysfunction.

The packets of honey and gels, sold as "shots" or "sticks" with names like Black Horse, Etu Max or Bio Max, have become popular among young men looking to improve their sexual performance.

The sticks are often sold online or under the counter in clubs and other nightlife spots for "recreational" purposes.

“Tests carried out by the Joint Laboratory Service (Customs and DGCCRF) have detected the presence of active ingredients such as Sildenafil or Tadalafil, both used to treat erectile dysfunction and which are subject to regulation,” the agency said.

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Record haul

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