Bangkok, November 1, 2025 - Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered an immediate recall of a batch of the widely used Hong Thai Formula 2 herbal inhalers after laboratory tests revealed that the product failed to meet microbial-safety standards. The recall affects Lot No. 000332, manufactured on 9 December 2024 and set to expire on 8 December 2027.
According to the FDA, samples from the affected lot showed contamination exceeding permissible limits in three parameters:
Total aerobic microbial count
Total combined yeasts and mold count
Presence of Clostridium spp. bacteria
Roughly 200,000 units (16,666 dozen) of this batch were sold across Thailand and exported to select Southeast Asian markets. The recall was announced after confirmatory testing by the Department of Medical Sciences.
Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd., the manufacturer of the popular inhaler, has acknowledged the FDA’s findings, clarifying that the issue is limited strictly to Lot 000332. In an official statement posted on the company’s website, Hong Thai said it has:
Initiated a complete recall of the affected batch and is coordinating with the FDA for safe destruction of the products.
Introduced ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation at every production stage to strengthen hygiene controls.
The company also issued an apology to consumers, reaffirming its “commitment to quality, transparency, and restoration of public trust.”
The FDA has urged consumers to immediately stop using inhalers from Lot 000332, and either return them for a refund or contact the manufacturer directly.
Herbal formulations are particularly prone to microbial contamination due to their botanical origin and moisture sensitivity. Without stringent drying, storage, or sterilisation practices, bacteria and mould can easily thrive in such products.
Clostridium species, a group of bacteria known to produce spores that can cause infections in certain conditions, was found in the herbal balm formulation.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Clostridium perfringens can lead to food poisoning and, in rare cases, more severe infections when exposure occurs through contaminated materials.
Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus associated with acute gastrointestinal infections ranging in severity from diarrhea to necrotizing enterocolitis in humans.
Check the batch number: Avoid using any Hong Thai Formula 2 inhaler marked Lot 000332 (Mfg: 9 Dec 2024 / Exp: 8 Dec 2027).
Return or exchange: Contact Hong Thai customer service or authorised retailers for a refund.
Buy from verified outlets: Always verify product registration, packaging integrity, and expiry dates.
Products can be returned to Hong Thai Panich, 434 Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Road, Bang Phai, Bang Khae, Bangkok 10160, or customers may request a refund by contacting 02-803-1549, 081-252-3406, 092-740-5500, or 092-740-7700.
While Hong Thai’s proactive recall and remediation steps signal responsibility, consumer trust will depend on transparent follow-up testing and independent verification of its new sterilization methods.
What is a Hong Thai inhaler used for?
Hong Thai Herbal is a traditional natural herbal inhaler. It is a unique solution for nasal congestion, stuffy nose and relief from dizziness and fatigue.
What are the benefits of using a Thai inhaler?
Hong Thai Inhaler keeps you alert, relaxed, and refreshed with natural essential oils. Easy to use, mood-boosting, and trusted globally for deep, clear breathing.
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