Chocolate Product Recall Due to Undeclared Drug Ingredients
A California-based company is recalling two chocolate products because they contain undisclosed prescription drug ingredients that may lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Gear Isle is recalling Gold Lion Aphrodisiac Chocolate and Ilumsex Chocolate after discovering the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil, as reported on Sunday.
These compounds are commonly found in medications for erectile dysfunction. One outlet even described these chocolates as a type of “male enhancement” product.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in a press release that Gear Isle is voluntarily recalling these products:
Using products with these unknown active ingredients could pose a risk to consumers. This is particularly concerning because these ingredients can interact with nitrates in certain prescription medications, like nitroglycerin, potentially causing a sharp and dangerous decline in blood pressure. Men who use nitrates for heart conditions may be at the highest risk. So far, no adverse reports connected to this recall have been made to Gear Isle.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of low blood pressure can include blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and nausea.
“A sudden drop in blood pressure can be quite serious. Even a change of 20 mm Hg could leave you feeling dizzy or faint. For instance, if your systolic blood pressure goes from 110 mm Hg to 90 mm Hg, you might start to notice symptoms. Major drops can occur due to severe bleeding, serious infections, or allergic reactions.”
The FDA has advised consumers to refrain from using these chocolate products, and Gear Isle is reaching out to customers via letter to arrange for returns and refunds.
Gear Isle, identified as a Bay Area company, specializes in selling “adult novelties.”
The FDA’s release indicates that the recalled products have the following UPC codes: Gold Lion Aphrodisiac Chocolate Sachet, UPC 795847916279, expiration date: June 2027, and Ilumsex Chocolate, UPC 1002448578911, expiration date: December 25, 2027.
