The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved a powdered alcohol product called “palcohol,” but don’t get your hopes up. Tom Hogue, director of congressional and public affairs for the agency, said that the approval was made “in error.”
The maker of powdered alcohol planned to release rum and vodka varieties. According to Lipsmark, parent company of Palcohol, the discrepancy was in “how much powder” was inside the 1-ounce packets. Lipsmark also mentioned that they would be resubmitting the product for approval.
According to reports, the company was given “label approval” for palcohol on April 8, but because of the error, they surrendered the given approvals.
Although the product gained attention as soon as it was announced, critics say that it may be dangerous.
Robert Lehrman, who manages a beverage law website, said that Palcohol has gone through several stages before reaching the stage of label approval. He said in a phone interview that the reversal of the approval may be caused by the “lawmakers wanting more information on the powdered alcohols.”
The concept of using powdered alcohol has been around since the 1970s, and creating the product consists of a process wherein carbohydrate powder absorbs the ethanol.
The official website of Palcohol says that they are offering six types of powdered alcohol – Lemon Drop, Powderita, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, rum, and vodka. There is also a warning that the powder in the packets should not be snorted.
The company suggests that the product is a great way to consume alcohol during concerts and football games. Just mix the powder with water and you get instant alcohol. They also recommended adding the alcohol powder on food, with combinations such as eggs and vodka. These posts have, however, been taken off the website.
Despite the reversed approval, Palcohol is still hoping to be the first to market powdered alcohol in the United States.
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