The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) has announced the results of a random inspection of a popular herbal inhaler, revealing that a batch of one of its formulas is contaminated with harmful microorganisms.
The product in question is ‘Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler, Formula 2’, with registration number G 308/62, according to Dr Withid Sariddeechaikool, deputy secretary general.
Samples were collected from the manufacturer, Hong Thai Commercial, and sent to the Department of Medical Sciences for laboratory analysis.
The tested batch, Lot 000332, was produced on December 9, 2024 with an expiration date of December 8, 2027, and was contaminated with microorganisms.
This violates the Ministry of Public Health’s standards for registered herbal products, as specified in the 2021 regulations.
Under the 2019 Herbal Products Act, producing or selling substandard herbal products carries severe penalties. Manufacturers may face up to 2 years in prison and fines up to 200,000 baht, while sellers may be punished with up to 6 months in prison or fines up to 50,000 baht on conviction.
The Thai FDA has urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing or using ‘Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler Formula 2’ (Lot 000332). Formulas 1, 3, and 4 were tested and found to comply with safety standards.
The authority is currently considering taking legal action against those responsible for the substandard product.
The Hong Thai herbal inhaler, known locally as ‘Yadom Hong Thai’, has become a cultural staple in Thailand and a rising trend in global wellness.
The product has gained international attention through celebrity endorsements and social media exposure.
Blackpink’s Lisa and Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth have been seen using the inhaler, sparking global interest. Its appearance in the Thai Netflix series ‘Mad Unicorn’ further cemented its status as a cultural icon.
The inhaler’s popularity has increased its availability in international markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia, where it is sold online and in select Asian grocery stores.
