Risky nectar: France warns of surge in 'aphrodisiac honey'

French customs officials said Monday that a record 31,000 tonnes of illegally imported honey touted as an all-natural sexual enhancement -- but often tainted with erectile dysfunction drugs -- were seized in the country last year.

The packets of honey and gels, sold as "shots" or "sticks" with names like Black Horse or Bio Max, are often sold surreptitiously in clubs and other nightlife spots.

Use of the "aphrodisiac honey" has increased in recent years, with officials warning of potentially serious health risks from ingredients not listed on the labels.

They often contain chemical products like sildenafil or tadalafil, the main substances in the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis, which in France are only available on prescription.

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

France's customs office said it had seized 31,000 tonnes, mainly entering by ship from countries including Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia and Thailand.

The biggest find was made in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille in November -- 13 tonnes' worth in around 860,000 sticks in a shipment from Malaysia.