Concerns have prompted the recall of a chocolate-based herbal supplement designed to enhance sexual performance due to its unexpected drug content linked to erectile dysfunction treatments.
Nalpac, a company based in Michigan, announced the recall of its DTF Sexual Chocolate on Tuesday. This product, available in adult stores across the United States, is marketed for its potential to improve sexual performance.
Laboratory analysis revealed that the chocolate contains sildenafil and tadalafil, the key ingredients found in the prescription medications Viagra and Cialis. In the United States, these medications are accessible only through a doctor’s prescription.
Authorities are worried about potential interactions between this chocolate and other medications, such as nitroglycerin (commonly known as Nitrostat), which is used for chest pain. Such interactions could dangerously lower blood pressure, leading to organ failure or even be life-threatening.
The risk arises because these medications already cause blood vessels to expand, reducing blood pressure. When combined with erectile dysfunction drugs, the effect could intensify, causing blood pressure to drop to perilous levels.
The chocolates, which came in vibrant gold and purple packaging, included instructions advising consumers to share half with a partner and consume it 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.
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.
