CONTAMINATION CRISIS

The recall of popular Hong Thai herbal inhaler exposed loopholes in product regulation systems

- STORY: SUWITCHA CHAIYONG

Hong Thai became a popular international herbal inhaler after photos of Lisa Blackpink holding it in her hand appeared on social media, however, its reputation began to wane towards the end of October.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public that according to laboratory tests, Hong Thai Formula 2 — registration number G 309/62, batch number 000332 — contained microbial contamination. Test results showed that the product failed to meet contamination safety standards. The product was contaminated with aerobic microorganisms, yeast and mould, and Clostridium spp exceeded the standard criteria. The FDA ordered the manufacturer, Hong Thai Panich, to stop selling the substandard batch, recall the product from the market and destroy it.

The FDA later shut down unlicensed Hong Thai factories in Bang Khae and Samut Sakhon and seized over 2 million Hong Thai inhalers worth more than 100 million baht.

Teerapong Rabueathum, founder of Thai Herbal Hongthai, explained in a press conference that due to a surge in orders that exceeded the capacity of the company’s authorised factory, they resorted to the use of unlicensed facilities for bottle labelling. He expressed regret and admitted to violating regulations.

The news about the contamination worried the public. Two specialists in herbal products agreed that the contaminated products could affect people who have low immunity.

Parnuchote Tongyoung, a pharmacist and policy committee member at the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC), explained that when consumers use an inhaler, active ingredients pass down to their lungs.

"Normally, the lungs have a mechanism for eliminating germs. Since consumers of Hong Thai are of all ages, those with a chronic illness, lung disease or low immunity may be at risk. If the contaminated substances invade into deeper parts of the body, they can cause a negative effect."