The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has moved decisively to withdraw the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler (Yadom) from the UAE market after laboratory testing revealed microbial contamination in multiple batches. The recall underscores the authority’s commitment to public health and the stringent oversight of pharmaceutical products distributed in the country.
Discovery and immediate response
The decision follows a warning issued by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration in October concerning a single contaminated batch of the inhaler. The Thai advisory highlighted that Batch ‘000332’ of the ‘Herbal Inhaler Formula 2’ failed microbial contamination standards. The manufacturing company, Hong Thai, responded promptly, stressing that customer safety was its highest priority and acknowledging awareness of the issue.In reaction, the EDE undertook immediate measures, initiating comprehensive testing of all batches available in the UAE market. Laboratory analyses conducted by the Establishment’s Quality Control Laboratory confirmed microbial contamination levels exceeding permissible limits for inhalation products, as defined by international pharmacopeial standards. The authority emphasised that such contamination poses tangible health risks to users, necessitating urgent intervention.
Scope and details of the recall
Consequently, the EDE ordered the withdrawal of all batches of the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler from circulation, extending beyond the single contaminated batch flagged by Thai authorities. The recalled batch carries the registration number G 309/62, batch 000332, manufactured on 9 December 2024 and with an expiry date of 8 December 2027. Approximately 200,000 units from this batch were distributed in the UAE.The recall is being executed in close coordination with municipalities and relevant regulatory authorities to ensure complete removal from all points of sale, including online platforms. The EDE has urged the public to cease use immediately and to dispose of any remaining units safely. Residents who have used the inhaler and experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, nasal irritation, or persistent dizziness are advised to seek medical attention without delay.
Broader public health and regulatory context
The recall forms part of the EDE’s broader strategy to strengthen national pharmaceutical security and ensure the availability of safe, high-quality medicines. The authority has committed to a proactive regulatory framework, incorporating continuous risk analysis, supply chain monitoring, and collaboration with both federal and local health entities.In line with this approach, the EDE is integrating digital and AI technologies to track pharmaceutical products from registration to end-user delivery, enhancing the UAE’s capacity to respond swiftly to any safety concerns. These measures are embedded within a comprehensive national framework designed to safeguard public health, support legislative and policy development, and maintain the sustainable availability of essential medicines.The EDE has made clear that the withdrawal process is being closely monitored to ensure full implementation. Residents are strongly advised to:
- Stop using the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler (Yadom) immediately.
- Safely dispose of any units they may possess.
- Seek medical attention if they experience adverse effects such as nasal irritation, dizziness, or breathing difficulties following inhalation.
The authority’s swift action highlights the UAE’s vigilance in maintaining pharmaceutical safety and reflects its unwavering commitment to protecting the health of patients and the wider community.
