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FDA Conducts Raid on Manufacturer of ‘Poppers’ Inhalant, Claims Company


The FDA has stated that it will refrain from commenting on ‘possible criminal investigations.’

According to a recent announcement from a manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against at least one producer of inhalant drugs commonly referred to as “poppers.”

Double Scorpio, a Texas-based manufacturer of poppers, reported last week on its website that it has “halted all operations following a search and seizure” conducted by the FDA at its facility.

“While we lack extensive information to share, we suspect that the FDA has taken similar actions against other companies in recent times,” the statement continued, expressing gratitude to its customers for their support over the last eight years.

Pac-West Distributing, another producer of the inhalant, seems to have modified its website to display only its logo, as noted in a review by the Epoch Times.

An FDA spokesperson told The Epoch Times on Monday that “as a matter of policy, the FDA does not comment on possible criminal investigations” when questioned about the recent crackdown.

Alkyl nitrates, commonly known as poppers, have consistently drawn warnings from the FDA and various U.S. health officials.

“To be clear, inhaling or ingesting poppers poses serious health risks,” Judy McMeekin, the FDA’s former associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, stated in one of the advisories issued on July 15, 2021.

“These substances can be caustic and cause damage to skin or other tissues they contact; they may lead to respiratory difficulties, drastic drops in blood pressure, low blood oxygen levels, seizures, heart arrhythmias, coma, and even death. Avoid ingestion or inhalation at all costs.”

Earlier this month, a study published in an online journal indicated that the New York City poison control center experienced an increase in reports of popper-related poisonings. It found that 48 percent of retailers surveyed believed the product should be inhaled, 44 percent were uncertain, and 8 percent recommended ingestion.

“Additionally, fifty-one (59 percent) vendors also offered 5-Hour Energy drinks, and alkyl nitrites were found near these energy drink shots in twenty (39 percent) of those fifty-one stores,” the study reported, mentioning that the products often share similar packaging.

In a June 2021 warning, the FDA stated that these products “are frequently marketed as nail polish removers or cleaning agents and are sold in small bottles, ranging from 10 to 40 mL, often resembling energy shots.”

“The FDA has noted a rise in reports of fatalities and hospitalizations associated with symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, elevated body temperature, respiratory difficulties, drastic drops in blood pressure, hypoxia (methemoglobinemia), and brain death following inhalation or ingestion,” the agency indicated.

Last week, the FDA released a warning advising consumers against the use of another inhalant, nitrous oxide, due to a surge in adverse event reports. The agency noted that recreational usage of nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, has increased in recent years.

“These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as food processing propellants for whipped cream and culinary purposes,” the FDA reported. “Intentional misuses or inhalation of these products can result in serious adverse health consequences, including death.”



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