Honey with Hidden Drugs: A Rising Trend in France

Last year, French customs officials seized a whopping 31, 000 tons of honey that claimed to boost sexual performance. This honey, often called "aphrodisiac honey, " is sold in clubs and nightlife spots under names like Black Horse or Bio Max. The problem? It's often mixed with drugs like sildenafil or tadalafil, the main ingredients in Viagra and Cialis. These drugs are only available with a prescription in France. The issue is that you never know how much of these drugs are in the honey. There's no label telling you how much to take, so people are taking big risks. In 2021, health authorities warned about cases where this honey caused serious health problems, like seizures, brain swelling, and kidney damage.

Most of this honey comes from countries like Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia, and Thailand. It arrives in large shipments by sea or smaller amounts by express freight, after being bought online. One of the biggest finds was in Marseille last November, with 13 tons worth of honey sticks from Malaysia. In June, officials in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand seized nearly 25, 000 doses of the honey. So, why is this a big deal? Well, taking unprescribed drugs can be very dangerous. You don't know how your body will react, and it could lead to serious health issues. It's important to think critically about what we put in our bodies, especially when it comes to unregulated products.

Actions