The Medical Journal of Australia reported the health supplement triggered serious asthma attacks in ten people.

One attack killed an 11-year-old Australian girl.

The report prompted a Washington DC-based consumer group to ask the US Food and Drug Administration on Monday to warn asthma sufferers to stay away from the bee product.

Believed to be a health booster and aphrodisiac and sold in cream, liquid or capsule form, it is a big seller in Bermuda according to staff at Trimingham's where it is exclusively sold.

US asthma specialists reported no problems with the supplement in America.

But they said the preliminary Australian reports were enough to cause concern.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann was aware of the report and is keeping an eye on the situation.

In the meantime, he advised residents to check with their doctors before taking the product -- or any other dietary supplements.

"It is sold here and I know many people take it, '' Dr. Cann said.

"It is promoted quite heavily in the UK. Most people think it improves their functioning, particularly arthritis sufferers. All I would say to the public is anytime you take any item to try and improve your health you should consult with your physician first, especially those with allergies.

"People seem to have this notion that anything natural is safe, which is not necessarily the case.'' He had not received any reports of the product causing harm locally.

Neither had the supervisor of Trimingham's cosmetics section Ms Jenny McGavern.

"We have never had any negative feedback. In fact it sells so well here we have a number of repeat customers who come back again and again,'' she said.

"It's like taking a really big dose of vitamins. A lot of men come in to buy it in liquid form. It's an aphrodisiac and provides an instant lift if you are feeling jaded.'' The Australian doctors, from Alfred Hospital in Victoria and the government's Adverse Reactions Committee, linked the product to severe asthma and vomiting that killed an 11-year-old girl. The attack struck 20 minutes after she ate 500 milligrams of Royal Jelly.

It also caused severe asthma attacks in nine other people, the preliminary report said.

The doctors said they tested four of the patients, who all showed sensitivity to Royal Jelly in standard allergy skin tests.

Two patients were then given Royal Jelly capsules and within 30 minutes began experiencing severe asthma attacks.