RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Trade Budi Santoso confirmed on Friday, February 6, 2026, that his ministry is coordinating closely with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) regarding the regulation and distribution of nitrous oxide. The gas is commonly used as a food additive, specifically as a propellant in whipped cream, and for critical medical purposes.
Minister Santoso emphasized that while N2O has legitimate applications, the government will evaluate its use to prevent misuse outside of food production or healthcare.
"In principle, we have coordinated with the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). According to the BPOM, one of its uses is for health," the Minister stated, adding that technical policy oversight remains under BPOM's jurisdiction to ensure accurate field inspections, as quoted by Antara.
Moga Simatupang, the Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Compliance (PKTN), explained that nitrous oxide is an authorized food additive when used as a propellant. However, he drew a parallel to past issues with industrial adhesives to illustrate the challenge of misuse.
"This is the same as the Aibon glue that was popular back then. It's actually used for shoes and wood, but it's been misused for other things," Moga remarked.
The primary concern for authorities is the shift from industrial or culinary use to direct inhalation. BPOM has issued a strict warning that nitrous oxide is not for direct consumption or inhalation. Inhaling the gas can lead to acute oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), permanent nerve damage, neurological disorders, and even death.
The government already maintains strict guidelines for the medical application of the gas through Ministry of Health Regulation No. 4/2016, which governs the use of medical gases and vacuums in healthcare facilities. Misuse of medical-grade nitrous oxide is considered a serious offense due to its severe health risks.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Trade and BPOM will continue to monitor the market to ensure that products containing nitrous oxide are sold and used in accordance with their registered descriptions, protecting consumers from the risks of recreational inhalation. ***
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