Reports of contamination in a batch of a popular Thai herbal inhaler have raised concern among Filipino users.
On October 20, the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand issued a warning regarding the Hong Thai Herbal Mixed Balm Formula 2 after samples tested positive for microbial contamination.
Tests revealed that the product exceeded the acceptable limits for total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeasts and mold count and Clostridium spp.
As a result, the Thai FDA has classified the inhaler as substandard under the Herbal Product Act of 2019.
“The product is not in compliance with manufacturing and safety regulations and should not be consumed under any circumstances,” Deputy Secretary-General and acting FDA head Withit Supachaiyagul was quoted as saying in a Thaiger report.
The herbal inhaler is a traditional aromatherapy nasal product made from a blend of incense and herbs. It is commonly used to relieve nasal congestion, stuffy noses and symptoms of dizziness or fatigue.
The inhaler has gained popularity among some Filipinos, particularly working professionals. Following the contamination reports, users of the product have shared their reactions and concerns online.
“Katinko na lang po tayo sa raves,” a Filipino commented, referring to the Filipino brand of topical pain products.
“A friend gave me this as a pasalubong, okay, thanks for the notice,” another Pinoy wrote with a grimacing face emoji.
“Marked as safe. Haaaay! My son got me a lot of these from his recent trip! Thought I’m just gonna throw them away,” another said.
Marked as safe. Haaaay! My son got me a lot of these from his recent trip! Thought I’m just gonna throw them away. pic.twitter.com/JexiMi9oIL
— Hi Tita! 💎😎🍎 (@apceelog) October 29, 2025
“Asan mga ka-batch ko? Haha,” a different online user commented.
Asan mga kabatch ko? Haha pic.twitter.com/n2d074Gpo5
— Pax Agape (@pax_agape) October 29, 2025
“Ah, baka kaya it hits different kasi may pa-extra siya, sksks, charot! Eh nasinghot ko na lahat lahat, ano pa magagawa natin teh,” another Pinoy said.
ah baka kaya it hits different kase may pa-extra siya sksks charot! eh nasinghot ko na lahat lahat ano pa magagawa natin teh https://t.co/Lsgl0eeiBN pic.twitter.com/29GBLnOF3G
— kat ishikawa (@katyrmiese) October 28, 2025
Meanwhile, the company behind the herbal inhaler has initiated a recall of the affected products from the contaminated batch.
“The Company fully acknowledges and accepts the results of the FDA’s inspection with utmost respect,” Hong Thai said in a statement.
“We have already recalled all affected products from the market and are coordinating with the FDA to proceed with the destruction of the recalled batch as soon as possible. The exact date of destruction will be officially announced later.”
The company also said that it has strengthened its production and quality control processes, including the addition of UV sterilization, to ensure that its products remain safe and of high quality.