THE herbal inhaler loved by tourists and TikTok travellers alike has landed in hot water after Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that the cult-favourite “Hong Thai” yadom is contaminated with bacteria and mould, prompting a major recall and health warning.
If you’ve ever been to Thailand, chances are you’ve seen or sniffed the tiny green jar of yadom that locals and tourists swear by.
Touted as a quick fix for everything from motion sickness to mid-day fatigue, it’s a must-have souvenir promising instant relief.
But that soothing whiff might come with more than you bargained for.
The Sniff Gone Wrong
Thailand’s FDA issued an urgent health alert after tests found that the Hong Thai Brand Herbal Inhaler (Formula 2) contained unsafe levels of bacteria and mould.
According to Thai PBS, samples collected from the manufacturer, Hong Thai Commercial Herbal Products, were tested by the Department of Medical Sciences, which found the product failed multiple safety tests.
Lab results revealed excessive microbial and mould counts, along with the presence of Clostridium spp., a bacteria known to cause human infections.
The affected batch, Lot No. 000332, manufactured on Dec 9, 2024 and expiring on Dec 8, 2027, reportedly includes around 200,000 jars already in circulation.
In a statement on Oct 20, the FDA officially classified the inhaler as a substandard herbal product under Section 60(2) of Thailand’s Herbal Product Control Act 2019.
Recall and Legal Fallout
According to The Nation, the company has begun recalling the affected batch from the market. However, since the product has been on sale for several months, only part of the stock has been retrieved.
The remaining jars will be officially destroyed on Nov 4 under FDA supervision.
“The product does not comply with safety and manufacturing regulations and should not be used under any circumstances,” said Withit Supachaiyagul, Deputy Secretary-General and acting head of the FDA.
He added that those responsible could face up to two years in prison or a 200,000 baht (RM25,915) fine for producing a contaminated product, while retailers could face six months in jail or a 50,000 baht (RM6,400) fine.
Tourist Favourite Turned Health Risk
The Hong Thai herbal inhaler has long been a hit among locals and visitors, sold at markets and pharmacies as a go-to remedy for dizziness, nausea, or fatigue.
But what was once a viral “must-buy” is now on the FDA’s watchlist. Authorities have urged the public to stop using the product immediately and report any adverse effects.
The FDA has confirmed it will take legal action against the manufacturer and tighten inspections of herbal products to ensure compliance.
For now, health officials are advising consumers to stick to FDA-approved brands and avoid unverified herbal remedies, because in the world of wellness souvenirs, the “natural” fix might not be as harmless as it smells.