BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai herbal inhaler company Hong Thai is struggling to regain public trust after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found excessive microbial contamination in a batch of its popular Formula 2 inhaler, prompting the company to initiate a major product recall.
CEO Teerapong Rabueathum publicly addressed the crisis by submitting samples of the affected product to the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT) for microbial testing and consultation on radiation-based sterilization. The company has acknowledged the contamination, recalled 200,000 jars, and issued a public apology promising full refunds. All future Hong Thai products will be sent to this facility for irradiation to ensure sterility.
Kamol Unchoo, Manager of the Radiation Centre explained that because herbal products are made from plants grown in soil, there is a high risk of microbial contamination. He noted that Hong Thai’s contamination issue is treatable with radiation technology but highlighted that the company lacked access to adequate government guidance.
He described the Hong Thai inhaler as a “cultural ambassador” that brings Thai herbs to the global stage. He added that after the irradiation process, TINT will issue a certificate allowing the company to display the Centre’s logo on the product, thereby boosting consumer confidence.
Simultaneously, the FDA, along with police, raided multiple locations in Samut Sakhon and Bangkok, seizing over 2.4 million units of herbal products estimated to be worth over 200 million baht.
Authorities allege that these sites—in Om Noi and Phasi Charoen—were operating without proper manufacturing licenses. They were reportedly producing products using the same details as the one licensed factory.
The company’s founder admitted he was unaware of the raid and acknowledged that a new factory was built but had not yet received the final production license. (TNA)
