January 31, 2026 | 01:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) is investigating the misuse of nitrous oxide (NO), commonly known as laughing gas, originating from food products, particularly whipped cream gas cylinders, amid concerns over illegal recreational use.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said the agency is working with the National Police and relevant ministries to crack down on the distribution and use of NO that does not comply with its intended purpose.
“Nitrous oxide is a legal substance when used appropriately,” Taruna said on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the BPOM office in Central Jakarta. “It is permitted and regulated for both food and medical applications.”
In the food industry, NO is used as a propellant to create the creamy texture of whipped cream, with purity levels reaching up to 99 percent. Its use is strictly regulated, and products containing the gas must clearly state on their labels that it is intended solely for food purposes.
“For food products, its use is allowed and supervised by BPOM. The labeling is clear—only for food,” Taruna said.
Nitrous oxide is also used in the medical field as part of anesthesia and sedation procedures. Its medical application falls under the authority of the Health Ministry, with BPOM overseeing product safety and standards.
Problems arise, Taruna said, when NO from food-grade products is diverted for non-food purposes. BPOM has identified indications that the gas is being misused to produce euphoric effects, a practice that has been widely circulated on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.
“NO can cause sedative and euphoric effects. Long-term misuse may lead to psychological dependence,” he said.
Taruna emphasized that while NO does not cause chemical dependence like narcotics or cigarettes, the pleasurable sensation it produces can lead to psychological addiction.
Although the substance is not classified as a narcotic by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), he warned that misuse remains dangerous.
“The risks include breathing difficulties, heart problems, and even death,” he said.
BPOM is currently tracing the sources of the misused gas and preparing recommendations for businesses distributing whipped cream products that fail to comply with regulations. “We are treating this matter seriously to prevent wider misuse,” Taruna said.
From a law enforcement perspective, Taruna noted that the misuse and illegal distribution of NO can be prosecuted under Health Law No. 17 of 2023. BPOM has civil servant investigators and can work jointly with the police’s drug and food control units.
“Distributing pharmaceutical or health-related products that do not meet standards carries severe penalties. Arrests can be made,” he said.
The issue recently drew public attention after police found a pink whipped cream gas cylinder containing NO residue in the apartment of celebrity influencer Lula Lahfah. The cylinder was discovered in the room of her household assistant, identified only as A.
South Jakarta Metropolitan Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head Commissioner Iskandarsyah said the cylinder was among the items seized during the investigation.
“We found several pieces of evidence, including the pink cylinder. This item has sparked considerable public controversy,” Iskandarsyah said during a press conference on Friday.
Read: 450 Students in Kudus Suffer Food Poisoning from MBG
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