'Hong Thai' herbal inhaler, one of the most favourite products, picked up by almost every traveller to Thailand, is in the news for the wrong reasons.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested and monitored various brands of herbal inhalers and the report prompted officials to take action against the viral brand.
What did the report specify?
According to The Nation, the FDA found three brands of herbal inhalers with microbial contamination that exceeded the safety limits.
MoPH statement on the famous herbal inhaler issue, asserts no malice. Hong Thai owner accepts mistake, admits stress, pressure, and deteriorating mental state.
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) November 3, 2025
On November 3, 2025, at the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Mr. Patana… pic.twitter.com/NIxO93EBTs
Following this, Thailand's Public Health Ministry held a press conference to clarify facts surrounding the inspection of an unlicensed herbal inhaler manufacturing facility, the media company reported.
“The Public Health Ministry and the FDA are not tools for anyone to destroy competitors or harm the industry. Every action follows legal and regulatory processes, with no intention to target any business,” Pattana said.
Products were seized and recalled, after the product failed to be the quality and standards that were required to pass the test.
Various international media firms also reported that Chaiwat Techapaitoon, chairman of Thai Herbal Hongthai Ltd, admitted flaws in the company’s production process and vowed to fix the issues.
Who is at risk?
The elderly, children and people with pre-existing lung conditions or a compromised immune system fall under the risk category.
"Those who use therapeutic products such as inhalers that exceed safe microbial limits have a higher risk of developing acute and chronic health hazards, including lung infections and allergic responses," said Dr Golda Wang, a senior principal clinical pharmacist at Alexandra Hospital, to The Straits Times.
For more information, consult a health expert.
