Thailand authority says Hong Thai herbal inhaler contaminated with bacteria, unsafe for consumers

By Dat Nguyen October 28, 2025 | 08:17 pm PT

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the herbal inhaler “Hong Thai Formula 2” is contaminated with bacteria, rendering it unsafe for consumers, prompting the manufacturer to recall 200,000 units.

The FDA said Tuesday that test results showed that the product, advertised as a remedy for nasal congestion and headaches, did not meet quality standards in the microbial contamination test, with levels exceeding permitted limits. It also contained clostridium bacteria, according to The Nation.

Hong Thai Formula 2, produced by Thai Herbal Hong Thai. Photo courtesy of the company

The U.S.-based Johns Hopkins Medical Center states that clostridium is capable of forming spores to survive in environments such as soil or the digestive tract. It includes the agents that can cause tetanus and botulism.

The product violates the Ministry of Public Health’s rules regarding standards, purity, and other critical characteristics impacting quality, the FDA said.

The FDA urged the public to be cautious when buying or using this herbal product. The agency said it is evaluating legal measures against the parties involved in line with the law.

Following the FDA’s statement, Thai Herbal Hong Thai has issued a recall on 200,000 units.

Teerapong Rabueathum, founder, clarified that the recall was confined solely to a lot produced in December 2024, while other production batches remain unaffected and safe for sale.

He described reports claiming a halt to all manufacturing and sales as incorrect, noting that the FDA’s announcement applied only to the contaminated lot.

Teerapong said the company plans to meet with the FDA to gain a clearer understanding of the test results, stressing that internal testing prior to registration had never revealed any irregularities.

The company has set a deadline on Nov. 4 for the official destruction of the recalled items, in collaboration with the FDA, with a public press conference to follow within two to three days after the meeting to deliver complete details.

The Hong Thai Formula 2 herbal inhaler, licensed since 2021, gained fame after being used by Black Pink singer Lisa.

Thailand's FDA warns that manufacturers in violation may face a maximum prison sentence of two years and a fine of up to 200,000 baht (US$6,200).