FDA Issues Warning about Galaxy Gas and Other Nitrite Products

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning Friday, advised consumers against inhaling nitrous oxide products such as galaxy gas, bakingbud and whip-it! and Myami Magic.

Although the recreational use of nitrous oxide as a party's drug has long been popular, whipped cream charger products such as Galaxy Gas have recently found a young and enthusiastic user base. The experiment using intentional misuse of the product has evolved into a popular sub-genre on social media, and is widely shared that teenagers are inhaling gas from canisters like flavored aromas such as strawberry cream, tropical punch, and vanilla cupcakes. Despite trying to limit video searches, the video has collected millions of views on Tiktok, X and YouTube.

The name Galaxy Gas catches up as a general shorthand for these products. FDA warnings also include Massgass, Cosmic Gas, HotWhip and InfusionMax. Regarding the health risks of these products, they are often sold in loud, colorful packaging that critics say is attractive to teenagers and children. The FDA advisory said the products can be purchased from retailers, including, but not limited to, Amazon.com, eBay, Walmart, and Smoke/Vape Shops and Gas Stations.

Recommendations in the category “Food, Drinks, and Nutritional Supplements” are less common. The FDA website lists just a handful each year since 2021. In this case, the agency said “we observed an increase in reported adverse events after inhalation of suboxidized oxide products.”

“The FDA warns consumers not to inhale or recreational use of the nitrous oxide flavor in canisters, tanks or chargers of any size,” the advisory reads. “When inhaled, these products can have serious adverse health effects, including death.”

The agency that did not respond to a request for comment said in its recommendation that inhaling nitrous oxide, which generally chokes, can cause health problems such as blood clots, asphyxiation, frozen milk, and mental disorders. According to a 2023 national survey on drug use and health, more than 13 million Americans abuse nitrous oxide in their lifespans. Odorless, colorless gas used as a recreational medicine can lead to feelings of relaxation and happiness.

The UK banned recreational use and possession of nitrous oxide in 2023. Some US states have laws that prohibit intentional misuse of products, and some have also prevented ownership.

The original owner of Galaxy Gas Brand sold it to another company in the fall, and messages to the Galaxy Gas website seeking comment on the consultation were not immediately returned.

Websites that don't sell nitrous oxide chargers directly, but with an array of accessories with branded merchandise such as fanny packs, t-shirts and pot holders have a disclaimer filled with warnings partially written in capital letters. They tell visitors, “It's illegal to intentionally inhale our products.”