BANGKOK – The founder of the Hong Thai herbal inhalant company has publicly criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its enforcement actions, calling for a more supportive regulatory approach. Teerapong Rabueathum, owner of Thai Herbal Hongthai Co Ltd, made the statements during a press conference on Friday, held in response to raids on four of the company’s unlicensed production sites.

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The press conference followed a joint operation on Thursday by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and the FDA, which resulted in the seizure of more than 2.3 million Hong Thai inhalant items, with an estimated value exceeding 120 million baht. The raids were initiated after an investigation into reports of microbial contamination in the brand’s products, which posed potential health risks to consumers. Police confirmed they discovered evidence suggesting the inhalants were being produced at facilities not registered with the FDA.

Mr. Teerapong admitted that the company had violated regulations by utilizing unlicensed sites. He explained that a sudden surge in orders had overwhelmed the capacity of their sole authorized factory, leading them to use the additional facilities primarily for the application of bottle labels. He emphasized that the actual process of packing the herbal ingredients was still conducted at the licensed site. Expressing regret for the violation, he announced that a new factory is under construction in Samut Sakhon and will be submitted for official inspection upon completion.

The owner of Hong Thai herbal inhalants has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt a more constructive regulatory approach, urging the agency to support product development rather than rely solely on legal enforcement.

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Beyond admitting the infraction, Mr. Teerapong launched a sharp critique against the FDA. He accused the agency of failing to provide guidance or support to herbal producers, despite its public mandate to promote the Thai herbal industry. “The FDA shouldn’t just use the law to crush us,” he stated. “It should share knowledge and help Thai herbal products adjust to international standards.” He urged the agency to reconsider its stance, noting that Hong Thai has long struggled to uphold its reputation as a trusted domestic brand.

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Addressing the contamination concerns that prompted the investigation, Mr. Teerapong announced a new measure. He revealed that the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Tint) has offered to assist with microbial sterilisation of the herbal ingredients. He committed that all Hong Thai inhalants will now undergo sterilisation by Tint before being distributed to consumers.

-Thailand News (TN)