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The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health warning after a well-known Thai herbal inhaler (yadom) brand was found contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria and mould
The product in question, the Hong Thai Brand Herbal Inhaler, Formula 2 (registration number G 308/62), was flagged during a recent inspection.
According to the Thai PBS, samples from the manufacturer, Hong Thai Commercial Herbal Products, were collected and tested by the Thai Department of Medical Sciences.
Results showed that the product failed safety tests due to excessive total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeasts and mould count, and the presence of Clostridium spp., which is a bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
The affected batch, Lot No. 000332, was manufactured on 9 December 2024 and is set to expire on 8 December 2027
In a statement issued on 20 October, the FDA confirmed that the inhaler is a substandard herbal product under Section 60(2) of Thailand's Herbal Product Control Act 2019.
This particular batch reportedly consisted of around 200,000 jars.
According to The Nation, Hong Thai has already started pulling Lot 332 from circulation. However, as the batch has been on the market for some time, only part of the stock could be recovered.
The company is expected to officially dispose of the recalled products on 4 November 2025, in coordination with the FDA.
The agency has advised the public to immediately stop using the product and to report any side effects
"The product does not comply with safety and manufacturing regulations and should not be used under any circumstances," said Withit Supachaiyagul, Deputy Secretary-General and acting head of the FDA.
Those responsible for producing or selling the substandard herbal inhaler could face penalties under Thai law, including up to two years in prison or a 200,000 baht (RM25,915) fine for manufacturing, and up to six months in jail or a 50,000 baht (RM6,400) fine for selling it.
The Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler has become a popular souvenir among tourists visiting Thailand, often marketed as a quick pick-me-up for dizziness or congestion
The FDA said it is currently taking legal action against the offenders and will continue to monitor herbal products on the market.
Consumers are urged to only buy herbal remedies from trusted and FDA-approved sources to avoid health risks.
