BANGKOK: The owner of popular Thai herbal inhaler brand Hong Thai has confirmed that it is taking full responsibility after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected microbial contamination in a batch of its Formula 2 Mixed Herbal Inhaler.
In a proactive step to resolve the crisis and enhance quality, the company has immediately partnered with the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Tint) to implement global best practices in sterilisation.
Hong Thai will adopt cold sterilisation irradiation, described as the global “gold standard”, for use on all its products.
The technology is classified as a clean technology by Tint, using radiation energy – specifically electron beam (e-beam) and Cobalt-60 – to eliminate microorganisms without chemicals or heat.
This non-thermal process is crucial as it preserves the volatile oils that give the inhalers their signature aroma and medicinal properties, ensuring the product retains its original quality while becoming 100 per cent safe for consumers.
Theerapong Rabuetham, owner of Thai Herbal Hong Thai, expressed his commitment to the change.
“As a manufacturer, we affirm our readiness to take full responsibility... We apologise deeply to customers and partners who have been affected. This crisis has become an opportunity to elevate our standards, making them better quality and 100 per cent safe.”
He added that all products will now undergo safety screening at TINT, confirming his intention to rectify all issues: “Hong Thai will not stop developing. Our initial lack of knowledge will only make us more determined to improve ourselves.”
Tint confirmed that the sterilisation process will be applied to the products in their final packaging to prevent any re-contamination.
This procedure is carried out in Tint’s closed-system irradiation facility by trained experts, adhering to strict international safety standards.
Kamol Unchoo, manager of Tint’s radiation processing centre, emphasised the technology’s safety: “Products that undergo irradiation will have absolutely no residual radiation, nor will they become radioactive, 100 per cent guaranteed.”
This safety profile is backed by global organisations, including the World Health Organisation.
The company is targeting completion of its full factory and standard upgrades, in cooperation with Tint, within just seven days to quickly restore consumer confidence.
Tint expressed hope that this collaboration will set a new benchmark for other Thai herbal goods, creating a more robust and sustainable future for the entire sector. - The Nation/ANN
