BANGKOK — Hong Thai, a popular Thai herbal inhaler brand, announced a recall of 200,000 contaminated units following the discovery of microbial contamination in one product lot, while police simultaneously raided unauthorized production sites linked to the company.
Theerapong Rabuetham, owner of Thai Herbal Hongthai Company Limited, told Prachachat Business on Tuesday that the company is seeking clarification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the contamination’s nature and severity after being notified of the test results.
Contamination Found in Dec 2024 Batch
The controversy began when the FDA announced that Hong Thai Brand Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, registration number G 308/62, failed to meet standards in microbial contamination testing. The affected product came from lot 332, manufactured in December 2024.
“We were informed this was a random inspection of an old batch from last year that found microbial contamination exceeding standards,” Theerapong said. “But there hasn’t been a clear explanation of how much it exceeded or how it affects consumers. We’re going to discuss with the FDA to find the cause and a clear solution.”
The FDA collected samples from the manufacturing facility, Hong Thai Phanich, and sent them for laboratory analysis at the Department of Medical Sciences.
“The analysis report showed that the herbal product is below standard in the microbial contamination test. Therefore, we announce this to warn the public to be careful when purchasing or consuming the said herbal product,” FDA Deputy Secretary-General Witit Saritsadeechaikul said.
Witit stated that the FDA is considering further legal action against the company. The substandard product falls under Section 60 (2), and producing such products violates Section 58 (2), carrying penalties of up to two years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht ($6,165).
Response: Recall and New Factory Plans
Theerapong said the recalled products will be destroyed, and business partners will receive full refunds or replacement batches. He emphasized that every batch undergoes microbial testing before release and pledged full responsibility for any issues.
“If there’s ever a problem with a Hong Thai product, we take 100% responsibility — including investigation, care, and support,” Theerapong said.
To prevent future issues, Hong Thai plans to build a new manufacturing facility with upgraded machinery and stricter quality control.
Police Raid Unlicensed Production Sites
Consumer protection police and FDA officials raided four locations in Bangkok and Samut Sakhon province on October 30. Investigators found that while Hong Thai was licensed to produce in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district, it had expanded production to three unauthorized sites in Samut Sakhon.
Authorities seized over 2.35 million herbal products valued at more than 100 million baht ($3.1 million), and the company faces legal action for producing counterfeit and unlicensed goods. Initial questioning suggested the illegal production was prompted by a surge in large orders the licensed facility could not meet.
Global Popularity Adds Spotlight
Hong Thai’s aromatic inhalers have attracted international attention, used by celebrities including Thai-born K-pop star Lisa, Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth, and British rapper Central Cee. The products were also reportedly used by Thailand’s Olympic athletes during the Paris 2024 Games.
The combined recall and police action highlight the growing scrutiny on Thailand’s herbal product industry and reinforce enforcement of safety and licensing regulations.
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