Beware of honey, jellies and foodstuffs boasting of having “
aphrodisiac
”
properties
: they actually present risks for consumers.
The DGCCRF issued a report on Tuesday warning against these so-called "
natural
" products but actually containing "
active medicinal substances
" likely to cause "
serious adverse effects
".
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Circulating "
illegally
" in France, and sold on the internet or via social networks, these products have enticing names.
They come in the form of honey, jam or jellies and would "
treat erection problems, sexual impotence, infertility and premature ejaculation
", according to the sellers.
These ensure that these products are made with natural components, safe for the consumer.
No reference to medicinal products is made with regard to these foodstuffs, which are also claimed to be “
100% effective
”.
But the reality is quite different, as indicated by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), the Directorate General for Customs and Indirect Rights (DGDDI) and the National Security Agency of drug and health products (ANSM) in a press release. After analysis, experts assure that these products "
contain active drug substances not mentioned on the labels such as sildenafil or tadalafil
", active ingredients of drugs used "
against erectile dysfunction
".
"
These substances, which enter into the composition of pharmaceutical specialties subject to medical prescription, are powerful vasodilators,
" the statement added.
The active ingredients used are used for medicines only available on prescription.
Call for vigilance
In addition, these aphrodisiac foods represent a risk to the health of users. The report warns about "
numerous reports of adverse effects
", such as "
repeated convulsions, pulmonary hemorrhages, cerebral edemas, or major acute renal failure, some having resulted in hospitalizations
". The active ingredients in these products can cause strong reactions, especially in people with "
heart disease
".
The DGCCRF therefore calls on consumers to be vigilant. Users "
who experience unwanted effects are invited to consult their doctor or go to the Emergency Department
", she recommends. She advises “
above all not to consume these products
”. The competition authority also shows its firmness with respect to the sellers of these “
aphrodisiac
”
products
, insisting that “the
people responsible for the marketing of this type of product expose themselves to administrative or criminal penalties
”. Note that the complete list of fraudulent or unfit for consumption products recalled by the DGCCRF can be viewed on the Recall Conso site.