More than 13 tons of so-called aphrodisiac honey from Malaysia were seized 

The most significant case of 2024 took place in Marseille last November. Officials at the Marseille port customs office seized nearly 860,000 sticks, or more than 13 tons of so-called aphrodisiac honey, from Malaysia. When checking the goods declared as ‘natural honey’ and in view of the inconsistent documents, the officers decided to have several samples analyzed. The results revealed the presence of the active ingredient of the drugs prescribed in case of erectile dysfunction.

238 kg of ‘erectile honey’ seized 

Other customs seizures were carried out throughout the country: East, Île-de-France, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, etc. Last June, the work of customs officers in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand enabled the seizure of nearly 25,000 doses (more than 238 kg) of so-called « erectile honey » products in a storage box.

These honeys arrive by sea or express freight via online purchases

Unlike the 31,000 tons of natural honey that Customs was able to control the legal import into our territory last year, which comes mainly from Ukraine, Belgium and Spain, these adulterated honey come from Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia or Thailand. They arrive by sea, in containers in large quantities, or through express freight, in smaller volumes, following purchase on the Internet.

Adulterated honey, a significant risk for the consumer

Imported illegally on French soil, aphrodisiac honey is sold equally illegally, particularly in certain night shops, in which Customs intervenes and also finds the resale of contraband tobacco, or even narcotics. 

These « shots » or « sticks » of honey can attract some consumers with festive promises, of form or health. 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 a stick of a few grams (commonly 15, 20 or 30 grams) and are sold individually in these shops for a few euros.

Both buyers and consumers ignore or underestimate the potential danger 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, nor 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 

True to its motto, « Act to protect », Customs alerts uninformed users of the existence of these illegal products which may seem innocuous to them or even honey, trustworthy, but may be dangerous for their health and safety. 

Present at the borders, on all the axes of movement of goods, and in the centers of express and postal freight, the French customs and customs will continue to intercept them wherever these honeys circulate or are sold.