Authorities in France Warn of Honey Laced with Sildenafil, Originating from Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and New Zealand
A Surging Trend of Tainted "Aphrodisiac Honey"
France has sounded the alarm on the rising influx of honey sticks and gels marketed as "all-natural" aphrodisiacs but secretly laced with prescription erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis. These products, bearing brand names such as Black Horse and Bio Max, have been confiscated in record amounts by French customs authorities. This
Medical News report delves into the concerning details of this trend, which has been fueled by imports from Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, New Zealand and Tunisia.
Authorities in France Warn of Honey Laced with Sildenafil, Originating from Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and New Zealand
In 2023 alone, authorities seized approximately 31,000 tons of honey consignments entering France, primarily via maritime shipments. Among these were substantial quantities of the so-called "aphrodisiac honey," a product that has gained popularity among younger demographics. However, health officials warn that these products often contain sildenafil or tadalafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, posing significant health risks due to the lack of dosage regulation and undisclosed side effects.
A Record Haul of Dangerous Imports
The largest single seizure occurred in November 2023, when customs officers in Marseille intercepted a shipment containing 13 tons - equivalent to 860,000 sticks - of adulterated honey originating from Malaysia. This represented just one of 131 cases reported last year, a dramatic increase compared to the mere 18 cases recorded in 2019. Smaller quantities have also been confiscated in regions like Eastern France, Paris, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
French authorities have highlighted the dangers posed by these products. In some instances, users have experienced severe side effects, including convulsions, cerebral edema, and acute kidney injuries. Alarmingly, the honey’s packaging provides no information on dosages, contraindications, or potential adverse reactions, leaving consumers vulnerable to potentially fatal complications when combined with other medications or consumed in excess.
Sildenafil and Tadalafil can cause a wide array of adverse effects and also health issues in many if used wrongly.
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/side-effects-of-sildenafil/
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil/side-effects-of-tadalafil/
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
The Appeal and Dangers of "Love Honey"
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The rise of "love honey" has been largely attributed to younger consumers seeking to emulate performances popularized on adult websites. Social media platforms and online marketplaces have further fueled the demand, with vendors advertising these products as a discreet, all-natural alternative to prescription medications. Prices range from €30 (£25) per pot to €50 (£42) for a set of 10 sticks.
Despite their purported natural origins, these products are far from harmless. Dr. Alain Ducardonnet, a cardiologist, cautions that the unregulated use of sildenafil and tadalafil can lead to severe health issues, including epileptic seizures, hemorrhages, and kidney problems. “There is a risk of very serious or even fatal accidents if taken simultaneously with other medication,” he warns.
A Global Concern
This trend is not limited to France. Similar warnings have been issued in countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States. Viral TikTok videos have popularized these products among university students, despite warnings from health agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In some cases, the misuse of these products has led to dire consequences, including emergency surgeries for severe complications.
Efforts to Combat the Trade
French customs and health agencies are intensifying efforts to curtail the illegal import and sale of these tainted honey products. The National Health Safety Agency has emphasized the lack of reliable dosage information, noting that some products contain the equivalent of multiple medications in just a few grams. Authorities are also cracking down on illicit vendors, such as the case of a student who earned €50,000 by selling adulterated honey through an online service, unaware of its dangerous contents.
Conclusion
The proliferation of honey sticks laced with erectile dysfunction drugs is a concerning trend that underscores the need for consumer vigilance and regulatory enforcement. While marketed as all-natural solutions, these products pose significant health risks, particularly for individuals with preexisting conditions or those taking other medications. French authorities are working diligently to address the issue, but the global nature of the trade presents ongoing challenges.
For the latest on illegal health products, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s--fda-issues-warning-and-orders-drug-recall-of-male-enhancement-pills-sold-on-amazon
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/worldwide-recall-of-made-in-america-schwinnings-herbal-supplements-for-male-sexual-enhancement-ordered-after-nortadalafil-found-in-it
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/med-news
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