Bangkok: The Department of Science has introduced a method to test “herbal inhalers” for contamination with Clostridium bacteria, urging small-scale producers to conduct quality checks prior to product registration. Dr. Sarawut Bunsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, disclosed that the FDA discovered contamination in Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler Formula 2, production batch 000332, with microorganisms.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Medical Sciences analyzed samples sent by the FDA twice between June and September 2025. The findings indicated non-compliance with several standards, including excessive numbers of microorganisms, yeast, and mold, alongside the presence of Clostridium perfringens, a bacteria that poses a health risk.
The testing process adheres to standards from the British Pharmacopoeia and the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia, as outlined by the Ministry of Public Health criteria of 2021. These criteria specify that microorganism counts should not exceed 200 colonies per gram and prohibit the presence of specific bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridium. The examination utilizes the Plate Count technique, increasing the number of specific microorganisms in a liquid culture medium before microscopic confirmation.
In the fiscal year 2025, 54 herbal inhaler samples underwent testing, with 39 samples deemed substandard. Clostridium perfringens, a bacteria prevalent in soil and thriving in anaerobic conditions, can lead to respiratory issues such as breathing difficulties, coughing, or a sore throat, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DST) advises herbal producers to improve quality control measures through processes like washing, drying, or irradiation to eliminate germs before production. This initiative aims to ensure consumer safety. The DST is committed to supporting small-scale producers in product quality inspections before registration, with the goal of enhancing standards and fostering trust in Thai herbal products.