A Thai herbal balm manufacturer has recalled a batch of its products after authorities confirmed the presence of contamination.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement on October 20, following laboratory tests conducted by the Department of Medical Sciences on the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler, Formula 2, a balm marketed as a traditional herbal remedy.

Officials said the tests found the product failed to meet microbial safety standards, with contamination detected in three categories, including total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeasts and moulds, and Clostridium spp., a spore-forming bacterium.

Under the Herbal Products Act, the product was classified as non-standard, which carries penalties for manufacturers, including imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht (4,695 GBP), or both.

Sellers could face up to six months in prison, a fine of 50,000 baht (1,170 GBP), or both.

Withit Supachaiyagul, Deputy Secretary-General and acting head of the FDA, said: 'The product is not in compliance with manufacturing and safety regulations and should not be consumed under any circumstances.'

The FDA has warned the public to exercise caution when purchasing this product and stated that legal action against the responsible parties is under consideration.

In response, Thai Herbal Hong Thai Ltd announced the recall of Lot 000332, which includes 200,000 units of the balm.

Founder Teerapong Rabueathum said that the issue was confined to this specific batch, produced on December 9, 2024, and set to expire on December 8, 2027.

He confirmed that other batches are unaffected and safe for sale, and refuted reports suggesting all manufacturing and sales had been suspended.

The company stated that it respects the FDA's findings and has begun removing affected products from the market.

However, as this was an older batch, only part of the quantity could be collected. Vendors and customers can return remaining items to the company for a full refund and replacement with products from newer batches, free of charge.

The official destruction of the recalled products, coordinated with the FDA, is scheduled for November 4.