Don Don Donki Withdraws Helium Canisters Amid Safety Concerns

SINGAPORE: The Japanese retail chain Don Don Donki has decided to remove helium canisters marketed as “voice changers” from its stores in Singapore following inquiries about the product’s health risks and lack of safety certification. These vibrant yellow canisters, priced at S$19.90 (approximately US$15.40), promised to elevate users’ voices when inhaled.

Each canister contains 11.6 liters of gas comprised of 80% helium and 20% oxygen, accompanied by Japanese instructions advising users to take a deep breath, exhale, pinch their noses, and inhale the gas. However, medical professionals have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of recreational helium inhalation, even when supplemented with oxygen.

Initial inquiries by news outlets to Don Don Donki and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) began on December 10, seeking clarity about the safety aspects of the product.

On December 18, the consumer authority responded, indicating that such products fall under the oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO). “CPSO is in contact with Don Don Donki Singapore,” the CCCS stated. “They have temporarily taken the item off the shelves while assessing its compliance with relevant safety standards.”

CCCS further explained that, while Singapore does not require pre-market approval for general consumer goods, suppliers must ensure their products adhere to at least one applicable safety standard from recognized organizations, such as the International Organisation for Standardization and ASTM International.

“Suppliers are obligated to provide adequate warnings regarding potential hazards as mandated by applicable safety standards,” CCCS noted. “Consumers are strongly advised to read and carefully follow all manufacturer instructions and safety warnings on the packaging.”

The authority also recommended that consumers use products solely for their intended purposes. Individuals who suspect that a product is unsafe or lacks clear warnings are encouraged to report it to the CPSO.

Adverse Effects and Warnings

The helium canisters, produced in Japan, included English-language warnings stating that they are only suitable for individuals over the age of 16 and should be kept away from children. Labels also highlighted the dangers of using the product near flames, while ill, during pregnancy, or after strenuous exercise. Additionally, users were cautioned against rapidly inhaling the gas, as misuse could potentially lead to serious injuries, asphyxiation, or even death.

Despite the clear warnings, the marketing for the product framed it as a source of entertainment, suggesting that customers could use it to add humor to apologies, thereby promoting its appeal to repeat purchasers.