The owner of Hong Thai herbal inhalants has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt a more constructive regulatory approach, urging the agency to support product development rather than rely solely on legal enforcement.
Teerapong Rabueathum, founder of Thai Herbal Hongthai Co Ltd, held a press conference on Friday to clarify that some of the company’s manufacturing sites were unlicensed.
His remarks followed a raid by Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) officers and the FDA on four unauthorised sites producing Hong Thai inhalants. More than 2.3 million items worth over 120 million baht were seized on Thursday.
The raid stemmed from an investigation into reports of microbial contamination in herbal inhaler products under the same brand, posing potential health risks to consumers.
CPPD police said they found evidence suggesting the products may have been secretly manufactured at sites not registered with the FDA.
Mr Teerapong said a surge in orders had exceeded the capacity of the company’s authorised factory, prompting the use of unauthorised facilities for bottle labelling. Herbal packing, he said, was still conducted at the licensed site.
He admitted the practice violated regulations and expressed regret, adding that a new factory in Samut Sakhon is under construction and will be inspected once completed.
Mr Teerapong criticised the FDA for failing to guide or support herbal producers, despite its public commitment to promoting the Thai herbal industry.
He urged the agency to reconsider its stance, saying Hong Thai has long struggled to maintain its reputation as a trusted Thai brand.
“FDA shouldn’t just use the law to crush us. It should share knowledge and help Thai herbal products adjust to international standards,” he said.
On the contamination issue, Mr Teerapong said the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Tint) has offered to assist with microbial sterilisation of herbal ingredients in packaging bottles. All Hong Thai inhalants will now be sterilised by Tint, he added.