‘This is so bad’: Kmart under fire for ‘dangerous’ Marketplace item

Some commenters were furious a household product, which can be abused by drug users, was listed for sale on a Kmart website. Photo / 123rf

Australians have been left in shock after a household product often abused by drug users was spotted for sale on Kmart’s Marketplace.

Creamer Charger Bulbs for Whipped Cream Dispensers, made by the brand Kayser, were recently listed by a third party on the discount retailer’s new online store.

But the sight of it on an official Kmart outlet has left some Australians in shock.

Taking to the Tea Time Facebook page, an anonymous member shared a screenshot of the product’s listing, which shows it priced at A$27 ($31) for 10 canisters.

“The tea is … Kmart is now selling ‘creamer charger bulbs’,” they wrote.

“I think someone from PR needs a tip-off.”

A number of commenters on the post said there was no issue with this, noting their uses in cooking and baking.

“I’m confused about what the issue is? They actually have a legitimate use. I use them myself for cream,” said one person.

“Am I missing something? You actually do need these to create whipped cream in the commercial hospitality graded canisters. Not everywhere use the pre-charged aerosols?” another asked.

These nitrous oxide cartridges may be intended for use in kitchens, but they can also be abused and used as a recreational drug known colloquially as “nangs”.

The chemical compound, commonly known as laughing gas, induces short-term euphoric effects when inhaled and has spiked in usage since the pandemic.

However, regular use can lead to a stream of negative side effects including dizziness, weakness in the legs and impaired memory.

Nitrous oxide cartridges may be used as a recreational drug known colloquially as “nangs”. Photo / Andrew Warner

Use of the substance, most commonly used among 16-24-year-olds, has become such a widespread issue one neurologist warned it is “more dangerous than cocaine”.

For this reason, shoppers were alarmed to see the product available on the recently launched Kmart Marketplace, a new platform that enables third parties to sell products directly to the budget retailer’s shoppers.

“This is so freakin’ sad man,” one commenter said.

“Wow this is wild,” another agreed.

“Surely not …” said a third.

“Budget nangs anyone? This is so bad, Kmart,” said another.

Many were specifically concerned about how accessible it makes the “dangerous” product for young people – the primary demographic of users.

“The only thing this does is make it even more accessible for young ones to put their lives at risk,” said one person.

“Okay so now people can get nangs from Kmart, gotcha. I know a 16-year-old who does them. Making it a whole lot easier,” another agreed.

A video showing a shopper searching for the item and finding it on the Kmart Marketplace was seen by news.com.au.

But at the time of writing, the charger bulbs were no longer available and appeared to have been removed.

Kmart declined to comment.

Drug safety

Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.