Hong Thai defends balm recall, vows tighter safety checks
Company responds to contamination alert with full product recall
A herbal balm manufacturer has recalled a product after Thai health officials found contamination during a routine inspection, prompting a public safety warning.
Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd., the maker of the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, has announced a recall of production Lot 000332 following an inspection by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Routine tests found that the batch, manufactured in December 2024, contained microbial contamination beyond accepted safety limits. The contaminated batch was registered under G332/62 and carried an expiry date of December 8, 2027.
“The issue is confined solely to Lot 332. Other batches remain unaffected and safe,” said company founder Teerapong Rabueathum, dismissing claims that all manufacturing and sales had been suspended.
The exact bacterial strain has not yet been disclosed by the FDA. However, the company stated the contamination involved microorganisms that breached safety standards.
“We plan to meet with the FDA to gain clarity on the findings.”
Teerapong said that their internal tests had never previously shown any irregularities.
Hong Thai confirmed that it had begun retrieving the affected balm from retailers, although some stock could not be recovered due to the age of the batch. The official destruction of remaining units will be carried out under FDA supervision on November 4, with a public statement to follow within days.
In response to the incident, the company announced new quality control measures across its manufacturing line, including UV sterilisation, to prevent future contamination, according to The Nation and Hong Thai Brand Official Facebook page.
“We accept the FDA’s findings with respect and are taking this matter very seriously.”
Consumers and distributors who still possess units from the affected batch are being offered full refunds and free replacements. Returns can be made to Hong Thai Panich, 434 Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Road, Bang Phai, Bang Khae, Bangkok 10160. For assistance, customers can call the following numbers: 02-803-1549, 081-252-3406, 092-740-5500, or 092-740-7700.
Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd. extended its “sincere apologies” to customers and distributors for any inconvenience caused. The company also expressed gratitude for the public’s continued support, promising to “uphold the highest safety and quality standards” going forward.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
