KUALA LUMPUR – The popular Hong Thai Brand Herbal Inhaler, widely used by Malaysians and tourists alike, has come under scrutiny after Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health warning when laboratory tests revealed that a specific batch failed to meet safety standards.
In a statement, the agency said the affected product was the Hong Thai Brand Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, registration number G 309/62, specifically batch number 000332, manufactured on December 9, 2024, and expiring on December 8, 2027.
Laboratory tests conducted by the Department of Medical Sciences detected excessive levels of microbial contamination, including high total aerobic microbial count, combined yeast and mould, and the presence of Clostridium spp., which breach Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health standards on product purity and safety.
“The findings indicate that this batch of Hong Thai herbal inhalers does not comply with the required safety standards. Consumers are advised to avoid using the affected batch and to report any adverse reactions,” the Thai FDA said in its statement yesterday.
The FDA confirmed that it is considering legal action against those responsible under the Herbal Products Act, which prescribes fines and imprisonment for the manufacture or sale of substandard herbal products.
Following the discovery, Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd., the manufacturer, announced an immediate recall of 200,000 units from the affected batch. Founder Teerapong Rabueathum said the contamination was limited to that single production lot.
“The issue is confined solely to Lot 000332. Other batches have been thoroughly inspected and remain safe for sale,” he said, dismissing reports that all production or sales had been suspended.
Teerapong added that retrieval of the affected products is underway, though only part of the batch remains in circulation as it was produced some time ago. The company will destroy the contaminated stock on November 4, in coordination with the Thai FDA.
He also assured consumers that new quality control measures, including ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation and stricter monitoring at every production stage, would be implemented to prevent future contamination.
The company is offering refunds and replacements to distributors and consumers in possession of products from the affected batch, which can be returned directly to its Bangkok facility or through customer service channels.
Hong Thai herbal inhalers are widely used across Thailand and Southeast Asia as traditional remedies to relieve nasal congestion, motion sickness and fatigue. They are also popular souvenirs among tourists.
In Malaysia, the Hong Thai Brand Herbal Inhaler is readily available through online platforms and pharmacies. However, it was reported that no Hong Thai products are currently listed in the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) database in Malaysia.
The Thai FDA has urged consumers to remain cautious and ensure that any herbal products purchased are approved and properly registered to guarantee safety and quality.
“Public health and consumer safety remain our top priorities. We will continue to monitor the market and take strict action against any products that fail to meet national standards,” the agency stated. – October 29, 2025
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