The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health warning over the Herbal Mixed Balm, Thai Eagle Brand, Formula 2 (registration number G300/66), after routine testing revealed that the product did not meet required safety standards.
The Herbal Mixed Balm is highly popular among locals and international tourists alike and is marketed as a traditional herbal remedy. However, the FDA found that the product violated several sections of the Herbal Product Control Act 2019.
Samples of the product were obtained from a shop in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district and sent to the Department of Medical Sciences for laboratory analysis.
Test results confirmed that the balm contained microbial contamination beyond acceptable limits, including excessive Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Combined Yeasts and Mould Count, and the presence of Clostridium spp. bacteria.
As a result, the FDA has classified the balm as a substandard herbal product in violation of Section 60 (b) and Section 72 (6) of the Act. The agency cautioned that continued use of the contaminated balm could pose serious health risks to consumers.
“The product is not in compliance with manufacturing and safety regulations and should not be consumed under any circumstances,” said Withit Supachaiyagul, Deputy Secretary-General and acting head of the FDA.
Under Section 113 of the Act, individuals found guilty of producing or distributing the product could face up to three years in prison, a fine of 300,000 baht, or both. Retailers selling substandard herbal products may also face fines of up to 100,000 baht.
The contaminated batch, identified as Lot No. 060823, was manufactured on August 6, 2023, with an expiry date of August 6, 2026. It was distributed under the label “Thai Medicinal Herbs”, located at 143/1 Soi Lat Phrao 2, Chatuchak district.
The FDA has urged the public to immediately stop using the balm and report any adverse reactions. Officials said legal action is underway and inspections will continue to monitor compliance among herbal product suppliers, according to the Drama Addict Facebook page.
Consumers are advised to purchase herbal products only from trusted and FDA-approved sources to ensure safety and avoid potential health hazards.
