Laboratory analysis confirmed these products contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients—specifically Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Paracetamol—posing significant risks to consumers, particularly those with a chronic illness.
Health Risks of Undeclared Ingredients
The National Laboratory for Drug Control at the ISP tested 17 confiscated products, including "Royal Honey VIP," "Royal Honey Plus," and "Vital Honey." The analysis revealed the presence of Sildenafil and Tadalafil, which are regulated pharmaceutical agents used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
According to Sergio Muñoz, head of the ISP’s subdepartment of Authorizations and Inspections, these substances act by relaxing blood vessels. When consumed without medical supervision or a prescription, they can interact dangerously with other medications or exacerbate chronic illnesses.
Regulatory Violations and Sanctions
The investigation began following a joint operation targeting a sex shop in the Metropolitan Region. Health authorities confirmed that the establishment was selling these products as nutritional supplements, despite the fact that they contain potent drugs.
The Seremi de Salud RM initiated a sanitary summary against the business for several violations:
- Unauthorized Sale of Supplements: Selling food products for athletes and dietary supplements without proper health authorization.
- Deceptive Labeling: Packaging that claimed therapeutic properties, which is prohibited under the Chilean Food Sanitary Code.
- Illegal Dispensing: Selling items containing pharmaceutical ingredients outside of authorized pharmacies, violating the Supreme Decree N°3/2010.
Authorities emphasize that legitimate supplements are intended solely to complement a diet and must not claim to prevent, treat, or cure diseases.
Global Regulatory Alerts
The issue extends beyond Chile, as multiple international health agencies have flagged similar products for containing undeclared erectile dysfunction drugs.
- Spain: The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) recently ordered the withdrawal of "Néctar del Amor" after detecting Sildenafil.
- United States: The FDA has issued warnings regarding honey-based sexual enhancement products tainted with hidden drug ingredients.
- Global Context: Agencies in Colombia (Invima), Singapore, and Costa Rica have reported similar findings, consistently identifying Sildenafil and Tadalafil in products sold as "natural" honey.
Guidance for Consumers
The ISP warns that purchasing these products through unauthorized channels bypasses critical safety protocols.