Thai FDA warns vs. popular herbal inhaler due to contamination; company recalls affected batch

The Food and Drug Administration of Thailand has issued a warning about the popular Hong Thai Herbal Mixed Balm Formula 2 (registration no. G309/62), manufactured by Hong Thai Panich, after samples tested positive for microbial contamination. 

According to The Bangkok Post, samples of the inhaler were taken from the manufacturing site and sent to the Department of Medical Sciences for testing. 

Test results revealed that the product exceeded limits in three categories, namely total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeasts and mold count, and Clostridium spp. 

The FDA has labeled the product substandard under the Herbal Product Act of 2019. 

"The product is not in compliance with manufacturing and safety regulations and should not be consumed under any circumstances," Deputy Secretary-General and acting FDA head Withit Supachaiyagul was quoted as saying in a Thaiger report. 

According to an official statement by Hong Thai Panich, dated October 28, the company has already recalled the affected products from the contaminated batch. 

The batch, namely production batch No. 000332, consists of a total of 200,000 units manufactured on December 9, 2024, with an expiry date of December 8, 2027.

“The Company fully acknowledges and accepts the results of the FDA’s inspection with utmost respect,” Hong Thai said in a statement.

“We have already recalled all affected products from the market and are coordinating with the FDA to proceed with the destruction of the recalled batch as soon as possible. The exact date of destruction will be officially announced later." 

According to the company, it has bolstered its production and quality control processes, such as adding UV sterilization, to ensure all of its products are safe and high quality. 

The brand also stated that customers who still have products from the affected batch may request a refund or a replacement free of charge.

In the Philippines, you may visit the FDA’s official website to check whether the product you are about to use is compliant to FDA standards. 

—Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA Integrated News