BPOM: SE 2/2026 Aims to Protect Young Generation from N2O Misuse

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has issued Circular Letter No. 2 of 2026 on the Provisions for Production, Importation, Registration, and Distribution of Processed Food Additives Dinitrogen Monoxide (N2O) as an effort to protect the young generation from the misuse of N2O or laughing gas. Head of the Processed Food Analysis Team, Directorate of Prevention and Control, BPOM, Andi Wibowo, in Jakarta on Monday, stated that this is because they do not understand the fatal risks that can arise if the gas is misused. “In particular, the misuse of N2O which can cause death. Why death? It generally occurs due to loss of oxygen intake in the body, so the brain and brainstem can die and so on,” said Andi. Furthermore, Processed Food Additive N2O is only permitted to be produced and/or imported in primary packaging with a net weight of 10 grams or less per individual unit. The Processed Food Additive N2O preparation can be packaged and distributed individually or in secondary packaging (multipack). BPOM also stipulates that producers of Processed Food Additive N2O, including their packagers, must hold a Processed Food Good Manufacturing Practice Permit (IPCPPOB) in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Drawing from studies by the University of Mississippi and the University of Illinois, he said, deaths due to N2O misuse increased by around 578 percent from 23 cases in 2010 to 156 cases in 2023. He stated that the trend is quite massive there, with much content on how to inhale N2O. Due to the massive trend, around 2024, similar local content began appearing on TikTok. Then, in 2025, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) issued a warning against misusing N2O or laughing gas, given its severe risks if used for recreational purposes or other than for food production. Andi mentioned several legitimate uses of N2O, such as for anaesthesia, in the food and beverage industry as a propellant for whipped cream, and in the automotive world for engine power boosters in vehicles. Previously, BPOM and the Indonesian National Police stated that they have followed up on N2O misuse. They found several discoveries, such as packaging methods where perpetrators buy large N2O cylinders to fill small cylinders. Then, sales at traditional markets were stopped as public attention increased, before the sales and distribution methods changed to individual points through various social media.