BANGKOK, THAILAND – Hong Thai Herbal has launched the recall of around 200,000 inhalers nationwide after Thai health inspectors detected bacterial contamination in one of its best-known herbal products.
Contamination Detected in Routine Test
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that laboratory tests uncovered Clostridium bacteria and unusually high microbial counts in a batch of Hong Thai’s Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, labeled No. 000332. The findings, verified by the Medical Sciences Department, meant the product failed to meet safety standards under Thailand’s Herbal Product Act.
The affected inhaler, registered since 2021 under number G 309/62 and produced by Hong Thai Panich, is widely known locally as “Ya Dom.” It remains a common household remedy among Thais and a favorite souvenir for visitors, valued for its refreshing blend of 15 herbs infused with eucalyptus oil. Consumers typically use it to ease nasal congestion, dizziness, minor headaches, and fatigue.
Immediate Recall and Company Response
In a corporate statement, Hong Thai Herbal confirmed that it had pulled the entire batch from store shelves nationwide and was cooperating with the FDA on secure disposal. The firm pledged new preventive steps, including additional quality-control procedures and UV sterilization during production.
“WE REGRET ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE AND REMAIN COMMITTED TO THE HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS FOR TRADITIONAL THAI HERBAL PRODUCTS,” the company said. The date for destruction of the recalled units is expected soon, pending regulatory approval.
Public Health Warning and Regulatory Action
The FDA advised consumers to stop using the inhaler immediately, warning that prolonged exposure could carry health risks related to bacterial contamination. Authorities are considering possible legal measures against those responsible, marking a growing emphasis on manufacturer accountability in Thailand’s expanding herbal supplement sector.
“CONTINUED USE COULD ENDANGER CONSUMERS’ HEALTH,”
an FDA spokesperson cautioned.
Officials noted that this recall reflects a wider tightening of oversight. In 2024, the FDA flagged more than 50 herbal products over contamination or false labeling, events that triggered consumer demands for stricter manufacturing transparency.
Refunds and Consumer Support
For customers holding affected items, Hong Thai Herbal set up a straightforward return process. Consumers can trade products from batch 000332 for a full refund or obtain replacements from verified stock at the company’s Bangkok outlet, Hong Thai Phanit.
The company listed contact lines at
+66 2-803-1549,
+66 81-252-3406,
+66 92-740-5500, and
+66 92-740-7700,
also advising buyers to check batch numbers on packaging before use.
Industry Context and Outlook
Although no illnesses have been reported from the contaminated batch so far, regulators continue to monitor the situation and encourage the public to submit any health complaints to the FDA hotline.
Thailand’s traditional medicine industry—worth more than 100 billion baht annually—has expanded substantially since the pandemic as consumers globally turn to herbal wellness products. Experts say the Hong Thai recall may serve as a reminder that traditional formulas must meet modern manufacturing standards to sustain their reputation at home and abroad.
• 200,000 units recalled due to Clostridium contamination
• FDA urges immediate discontinuation of the batch
• Refunds and replacements available through official channels
• Thailand intensifies quality enforcement on herbal goods