Batch of Hong Thai herbal inhalers considered unsafe: Thailand FDA

The Thailand Food and Drug Administration warned that a batch of the popular Hong Thai herbal inhalers has been found unsafe for use.

The Bangkok Post reported that the FDA, in an Oct. 20 announcement, flagged “Hong Thai Formula 2” manufactured by Hong Thai Panich with registration number G 309/62, as they failed a test for microbial contamination.

Laboratory testing results by the Department of Medical Sciences showed that contamination was detected in three categories: total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeasts and mould count, and Clostridium spp., a spore-forming bacterium.

It violated the Ministry of Public Health’s 2021 regulation on quality standards for registered herbal formulations.

The product has been classified as substandard under the Herbal Product Act 2019, per the FDA.

According to Channel News Asia, Hong Thai Herbal said the affected batch has 000332 as its production number. With 200,000 units, it was manufactured on Dec. 9, 2024, and is set to expire on Dec. 8, 2027.

"The company fully acknowledges and accepts the results of the FDA’s inspection with utmost respect," the brand said in a statement, adding that the affected batch has been pulled from shelves. It also noted that it has improved its production process to ensure the quality and safety of its customers moving forward.

The Straits Times reported that the FDA is also considering legal action against the responsible parties.

The agency advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing or using this herbal product.