FDA Reportedly Raids Manufacturer of Poppers Amid Growing Concerns Over Party Drug Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly launched a crackdown on poppers, a widely used inhalant drug, by targeting a key manufacturer. Double Scorpio, an Austin-based company known for producing poppers, announced that it has “stopped all operations following a search and seizure at our offices by the FDA.”
Poppers, long sold in convenience stores under legal loopholes, have gained mainstream popularity in clubbing and social scenes. The reported raid follows Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the FDA. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with a controversial stance on vaccines and drug addiction, has previously claimed—without scientific evidence—that poppers and other recreational drugs, rather than HIV, are responsible for AIDS. It remains unclear whether Kennedy played a role in the FDA’s recent actions.
Industry-Wide Crackdown
According to sources cited by Fast Company, the FDA’s raid on Double Scorpio is part of a broader crackdown. Amanda M. Hils, an FDA spokesperson, declined to comment on any ongoing criminal investigations. Meanwhile, HHS and Double Scorpio have not responded to inquiries regarding the operation.
A representative from The Popper King, a Buffalo-based company branding itself as the “premiere site to buy poppers online,” stated they have not been contacted by the FDA but declined further comment.
Health Risks and Regulatory Concerns
Poppers, which contain alkyl nitrates, produce an immediate euphoric rush and muscle relaxation when inhaled. They have been widely used among the LGBTQ+ community and clubgoers. However, the FDA issued a 2021 advisory warning against their use, citing potential health risks such as headaches, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and, in severe cases, brain damage or death. Reports of poisoning and hospitalizations have risen, with some users mistakenly drinking poppers due to misleading packaging.
A recent Clinical Toxicology study found that nearly half of store employees selling poppers were unsure about proper usage, while 8% incorrectly advised ingestion—raising concerns about misuse and consumer safety.
The Debate Over Poppers and HIV
Following the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, some researchers initially speculated that poppers contributed to immune system failures. However, after HIV was identified as the cause of AIDS in 1983, this theory was debunked. Despite this, Kennedy has perpetuated the false claim that poppers, rather than HIV, are responsible for the disease, alleging a “power struggle” within the scientific community.
A Growing Market and Regulatory Loopholes
Despite federal warnings, poppers remain readily available under various guises, including air fresheners and leather cleaners. They are commonly sold in smoke shops alongside products like Lost Mary vapes, Breeze Vape, and Raz Vape Flavors, which have also seen a surge in popularity. The vape industry has largely evaded similar regulatory scrutiny, even as concerns over nicotine consumption persist.
According to a 2020 study, 3.3% of American adults have used poppers, including 35% of gay men. Recent surveys indicate that popper use is growing among heterosexuals as well, with 18% of NYC clubgoers admitting to using them in the past year.
While Congress has attempted to regulate poppers, the products remain in a legal gray area. As the FDA intensifies its crackdown, it remains to be seen whether manufacturers will find new ways to navigate existing loopholes or if further enforcement will reshape the industry entirely.
