BANGKOK – Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration has issued a public warning after a random inspection found a batch of the widely used “Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler, Formula 2” to be contaminated with harmful microorganisms. The affected product, bearing registration number G 308/62 and identified as Lot 000332, was produced on December 9, 2024, with an expiration date of December 8, 2027.

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The FDA agency also found unsafe levels of total aerobic microbial counts in samples from Chama Herbs herbal inhaler.

According to Dr. Withid Sariddeechaikool, deputy secretary-general of the Thai FDA, samples were collected from the manufacturer, Hong Thai Commercial, and analyzed by the Department of Medical Sciences. The results confirmed microbial contamination, violating the Ministry of Public Health’s standards for registered herbal products as outlined in the 2021 regulations. The regulatory body is now considering legal action against those responsible.

The Hong Thai herbal inhaler, known locally as “Yadom Hong Thai,” has become a cultural staple in Thailand and gained international popularity through celebrity endorsements and social media exposure. Its global profile rose significantly after being used by Blackpink’s Lisa and Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth, and it later appeared in the Thai Netflix series “Mad Unicorn.” The product is now widely available in international markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia, where it is sold online and in select Asian grocery stores.

🇹🇭 Thailand’s FDA has issued a health warning over Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler (Formula 2) after lab tests found microbial contamination.
Consumers are urged to exercise caution when buying or using the product.

📎 Source: The Straits Times / Thai FDA#Thailand #HealthAlert… pic.twitter.com/xsNHIiLMUI

— Deepthi Pinisetty (@deepthi_ts) October 29, 2025

The manufacturer of the popular Hong Thai herbal inhaler has announced a major recall of 200,000 jars of its product after Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) discovered microbial contamination in its “Formula 2” line. The company confirmed in a statement today that it is offering full refunds or replacements to consumers.

The recall specifically targets batch number 000332, which was manufactured on December 9, 2024, with an expiry date of December 8, 2027. Hong Thai acknowledged the Thai FDA’s inspection results and stated that the affected products have been removed from the market and will be destroyed. The company’s prompt response comes as the herbal inhaler has gained significant international popularity, becoming a cultural staple promoted by celebrities and appearing in global media.

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Under the 2019 Herbal Products Act, manufacturing or selling substandard herbal products carries severe penalties. Convicted manufacturers face up to two years imprisonment and fines of 200,000 baht, while sellers may be sentenced to six months in prison or fined 50,000 baht. The Thai FDA has assured consumers that other formulas from the same brand, including Formulas 1, 3, and 4, were tested and found to comply with safety standards. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and check the lot number before purchasing or using the Formula 2 inhaler.

-Thailand News (TN)