More than 13 tonnes of so-called aphrodisiac honey from Malaysia seized
The most significant affair of the year 2024 took place in Marseille last November. Agents from the Marseille port customs office seized nearly 860,000 sticks, or more than 13 tons of so-called aphrodisiac honeyfrom Malaysia. When checking the goods declared as “ natural honey » and in view of the inconsistent documents, the agents decided to have several samples analyzed. The results revealed the presence of the active ingredient of medications prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
238 kg of “erectile honey” seized
Other customs seizures were carried out throughout the territory: East, Île-de-France, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes… Thus, last June, the work of customs officers from Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand enabled the seizure of nearly 25,000 doses (i.e. more than 238 kg) of products called “erectile honey” in a storage box.
These honeys arrive by sea or express freight via online shopping
Unlike the 31,000 tonnes of natural honey for which Customs was able to control the legal importation into our territory last year, which mainly comes from Ukraine, Belgium, and Spain, these adulterated honeys come from Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia or even Thailand. They arrive by sea, in containers in large quantities, or by express freight, in smaller volumes, following purchases on the internet.
Adulterated honey, a significant risk for the consumer
Imported from illegal way on French soil, the Aphrodisiac honey is sold equally illegallyparticularly in certain night businesses, in which Customs intervenes and also notes the resale of contraband tobacco, or even narcotics.
Ces Honey “shots” or “sticks” may attract some consumers with festive, fitness or health promises. Several brands, now known to customs services, can be cited: Black Horse, Etu Max, Bio Max, Mesk Elyamen… These honeys are packaged in boxes of several units, come in the form of sticks of a few grams (commonly 15, 20 or 30 grams) and are sold individually in these shops for a few euros.
-THE buyers and consumers ignore or underestimate the danger potential of these products. Indeed, the analyses, carried out by the Joint Laboratory Service (Customs and DGCCRF), make it possible to detect the presence of active ingredients, such as Sildenafil or Tadalafil, both used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and subject to regulation.
The quantity of adulteration being unknown, and the doses consumed not recommended or quantified, the consumer takes significant risks by absorbing this type of adulterated honey especially since no mention of the dosage, contraindications and mention of adverse effects appears on the pods.
Illegal products that can be dangerous to health
Faithful to its motto, “Act to protect”, Customs alerts unwary users of the existence of these illegal products which may seem harmless to them or even, in the case of honey, trustworthy, but can be dangerous for their health and safety.
Present at borders, on all routes of circulation of goods, and in express and postal freight centers, French customs officers will continue to intercept them wherever these honeys circulate or are sold.
