A chocolate herbal sex supplement has been recalled over fears it contains drugs typically used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Michigan-based Nalpac issued the warning for its DTF Sexual Chocolate on Tuesday, which was sold in adult stores nationwide and is used to boost sexual performance.
Tests have shown that the chocolate contains sildenafil and tadalafil, the active drugs in Viagra and Cialis. In the US, these drugs are legally only available via a prescription from a doctor.
Officials fear that the chocolate could interact with other medications, such as the chest pain drug nitroglycerin, brand name Nitrostat, and cause dangerously low blood pressure, which could cause organs to shut down and be fatal.
This could happen because blood vessels are already dilated by these medications, lowering blood pressure, but the ED drugs could cause the vessels to dilate further, and lead blood pressure to hit dangerously low levels.
The chocolates were sold in bright gold and purple packaging, with instructions telling users to halve the chocolate with a partner and take it 30 minutes before a sexual encounter.
Nalpac emphasized that it had not manufactured the chocolates, but bought them from a separate supplier and then sold them in its stores.
The company said there had been no illnesses or reactions reported in connection to the recall.
Pictured above is DTF Sexual Chocolate, which has been recalled over the presence of drugs only available on prescription
Shown above is the back of the chocolate. Users are told to split the bar in half and consume it with their partner about 30 minutes before a sexual encounter
Consumers and retailers who have purchased the product are being urged not to consume the product.
Instead, they are being told to throw them out immediately or return them to sellers for a full refund. Anyone who fears they have had a reaction to the chocolates should contact health officials.
Nalpac said they were sold in cases containing 20 retail units. It is not clear how many units were recalled.
The products have a UPC code on the label of UPC 757817783069.
They were available for sale in adult retail stores and through the websites shopsexology.com and royalsins.com.
It was not clear how the drugs were added to the chocolates.
In promotional materials, the chocolate says it contains Siberian ginseng and Maca root powder, among other supplements, that can help to ‘enhance your sexual experience’.
An advertisement reads: ‘Share intimate moments with your partner and ignite deeper connections with two servings per bar.
‘Say goodbye to dull pills and hello to mouth-watering enhancement as you savor the rich, velvety texture and natural flavor of DTF Sexual Chocolate.’
The recall marks at least the third linked to adult sexual supplements within a month.
Nalpac, which sold the chocolates, said it had received no reports of adverse events to date (stock photo)
In March, California-based Gear Isle recalled its Gold Lion Aphrodisiac Chocolate Sachet and ilum Sex Chocolate after tests showed these contained the same erectile dysfunction drugs.
Earlier in the same month, manufacturer Boner Bears recalled various sexual enhancement products, including their chocolate syrup, over the presence of the same drugs.
It was not clear how much sildenafil or tadalafil the supplements contained.
Doctors advise, however, that people should not take more than one dose of sildenafil or tadalafil per day.
Common side effects of taking the drugs include headaches, indigestion, dizziness and nasal congestion.
In more serious cases, or when someone takes too much of the drugs, they can also suffer from an erection that lasts for four hours or more, heart problems, or dangerously low blood pressure.
