Schumer to introduce bill banning powder alcohol

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Monday that he would introduce a bill to ban Palcohol, or powdered alcohol.

Schumer said congressional action was needed because the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to investigate the health risks of the “dangerous” product.

{mosads}“We simply can’t sit back and wait for Palcohol to hit store shelves and possibly be to blame for more alcohol-related hospitalizations and God forbid, deaths and that’s why I’m pursuing all possible avenues to stop the sale of this Kool-Aid for underage, binge drinking,” Schumer said. “I also plan to introduce legislation that will make powdered alcohol illegal — plain and simple.”

Schumer said he was also asking local and national retailers to stop selling Palcohol, which he said would contribute to the prevalence of underage drinking.

“While it defies logic that the FDA will not investigate the obvious health concerns of Palcohol, responsible retailers should do the right thing and keep this dangerous product away from our kids on Long Island, who are already exposed to drinking at an incredibly young age,” Schumer said. “Powdered alcohol is a disturbing concept and will only make it easier for minors on Long Island to access, conceal and abuse alcohol.”

Palcohol is made by company Lipsmark LLC, and is freeze-dried alcohol produced in a powder form that can be added to liquid or sprinkled on food. Schumer said the company plans to release six types of Palcohol packets, including vodka, rum, cosmopolitan, mojito, powderita and lemon drop, within the next six months.