Nitrous oxide canisters (commonly known as “nangs”) have become very popular in both professional and home kitchens across Australia.
These small, pressurised cartridges contain nitrous oxide (N₂O), a colourless, slightly sweet-smelling gas widely used in culinary applications, typically for whipping cream and creating light, airy textures in desserts and beverages.
Nangs can be very helpful for chefs and home cooks who want to prepare such culinary delights as flavoured foams or creative cocktails. However, there have been certain doubts concerning its legality and safety, associated with cases of misuse.
So, are nangs illegal in Australia? Do the regulations differ from one state to another? Read on to find out more!
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Nangs’ legality across the world varies significantly, and it is also not unified within Australia.
Each state and territory implements its own specific regulations to address concerns around misuse while still allowing for legitimate culinary applications.
In Queensland, nangs are not illegal when used for their intended purpose, such as whipping cream and other cooking activities.
Nonetheless, nitrous oxide is classified as a “restricted substance” under Queensland’s Medicines and Poisons Act 2019, but it remains legally available for purchase and use in culinary and industrial contexts.
The legal status of nangs in New South Wales is somewhat complex compared to states like Western Australia, which have stricter sales limitations.
Currently, nitrous oxide is not explicitly illegal to possess or sell for legitimate culinary purposes in NSW. You can still find cream chargers for sale in catering supply stores and some online retailers for use in whipped cream dispensers.
However, the supply or sale of nitrous oxide to another person when you know, or should reasonably know, that it is to be used for human consumption (i.e., recreational inhalation) is an offence in NSW. This provision aims to target those who facilitate the misuse of nangs.
In South Australia, the sale of nitrous oxide is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act 1984 and the Controlled Substances (Poisons) (Nitrous Oxide) Variation Regulations 2019. Key laws include:
In other Australian jurisdictions, nitrous oxide remains legal for legitimate uses, primarily in culinary applications. However, misuse is regulated:
| State/Territory | Legal Status | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | Legal for legitimate uses | - Illegal to sell to individuals under 18 years of age. - Sales prohibited between 10 PM and 5 AM. - Must not be visible or accessible to the public in retail stores. - Mandatory display of a notice stating the offence of selling to under-18s. - Penalties include fines up to $5,000. Further reading: Attorney-General's Department |
| Western Australia | Legal for approved entities | - Sales restricted to registered food businesses, certain liquor license holders, and educational institutions. - Proof of eligibility required at the point of sale. - Unlawful sales can incur on-the-spot fines up to $6,000 or court fines up to $30,000. Further reading: Health.wa.gov.au |
| Victoria | Legal for legitimate uses | - Nitrous oxide classified as a Schedule 6 poison. - Must comply with specific labeling, packaging, and storage requirements. Further reading: Health.vic |
| New South Wales | Legal for legitimate uses | - Proposed regulations include prohibiting sales to individuals under 18, limiting quantities per transaction, restricting night-time sales, and ensuring storage out of public view. - Supplying nitrous oxide for human consumption is an offence, with penalties up to two years' imprisonment. Further reading: NSW Government |
| Queensland | Legal for legitimate uses | - While specific regulations are less defined, misuse is regulated under public health and consumer laws. - Authorities may take action if nitrous oxide is sold to minors or supplied for recreational use. Further reading: Australian Medical Association |
| Tasmania, Northern Territory, and Australian Capital Territory | Legal for legitimate uses | - Specific regulations not detailed; however, general laws apply to the sale and misuse of volatile substances. |
You can safely use cream chargers for baking, cooking, and preparing beverages, but if misused, nangs can be dangerous
While nangs are perfectly legal for culinary use, each state and territory has introduced its own set of restrictions and penalties to prevent recreational misuse, which poses serious health risks.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can result in nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies, and even life-threatening conditions, so it is understandable that Australian authorities need to limit its accessibility.
Remember, Nangs are not recreational devices — they’re professional culinary tools, and any misuse poses serious health risks.
NangWizard supplies food-grade cream chargers strictly for culinary use. Order safely and responsibly to create amazing desserts and beverages – for adults 18+ only!
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