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

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.

"Since the amount of adulteration is unknown, and the doses consumed are neither recommended nor quantified, consumers are taking considerable risks in ingesting this kind of adulterated honey, particularly because there is no mention of dosage or side-effects on the sachets.”

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Record haul

Customs officials say the amounts seized have exploded in recent years. While only 18 cases of such illegal imports were registered in 2019, there were 131 in 2023.

A record 31,000 tonnes was seized last year, mainly shipped into France from countries including Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia and Thailand.

The largest single haul took place in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille in November – of 13 tonnes, or around 860,000 sticks in a shipment from Malaysia. It was valued at €2.4 million, the chief customs officer in Marseille told newspaper Le Figaro.  

Other French media reported that the honey was increasingly popular with young men aiming to live up to the performances seen on porn sites. 

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In 2021, health authorities warned of several cases where the honey had caused convulsions, cerebral oedemas or acute kidney injuries.

"There is a risk of very serious or even fatal accidents if taken along with other medication," Dr Alain Ducardonnet told broadcaster BFMTV.