Thai herbal inhaler gets recalled after FDA finds microbial contamination
A batch of the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler Formula 2 from last year was found to have exceeded microbial limits, though the company ensures other batches are safe
Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd., maker of the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, has recalled one of its batches after Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected microbial contamination exceeding safety limits during a routine inspection.
The company confirmed that only the December 2024 batch of 200,000 units (with the expiry date of December 8, 2027) is affected, and all other production lots remain safe and available.
Founder Teerapong Rabuetham said the contamination involved microorganisms that surpassed standard limits, though the FDA has not yet specified the bacterial strain or potential health risks.
“We were informed this was a random inspection of an old batch from last year that found microbial contamination exceeding standards,” he said, according to Khaosod English.
The company is coordinating with the FDA to confirm the type of contamination and assess any possible health effects.
As mentioned in Business Today, the FDA reported that the contaminated batch failed microbial tests for counts of bacteria, yeasts, moulds, and Clostridium species.
Read this next: FVTURE Bangkok opens in December as Southeast Asia’s largest hyperclub
The agency has urged consumers to exercise caution while it considers possible legal action under Thailand’s herbal product laws.
“The analysis report showed that the herbal product is below standard in the microbial contamination test. Therefore, we announce this to warn the public to be careful when purchasing or consuming the said herbal product,” FDA Deputy Secretary-General Witit Saritsadeechaikul explained.
Read this next: Mystery package washed ashore on Jeju Island revealed to hold 20kg of ketamine
Hong Thai confirmed that customers can return products from the contaminated batch for refunds or replacements at no cost.
The FDA’s ongoing review could lead to penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or a 200,000-baht fine for producing substandard goods.
In response, Hong Thai has strengthened quality control measures, introduced ultraviolet sterilisation, and announced plans to build a new facility with upgraded safety systems.
Via Nation Thailand
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
Cut through the noise—sign up for our weekly Scene Report or follow us on Instagram to get the latest from Asia and the Asian diaspora!
