End of Days: Powdered Alcohol Hits Shelves This Summer

Guess who's back? Back again? That's right, everyone's favorite controversial powdered alcohol manufacturer, Palcohol. Last April, the company gained and quickly lost approval from the government over issues regarding the product's labels. The Associated Press notes, however, that Palcohol has regained approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. According to a a spokesperson for the bureau, Palcohol's labels now "accurately reflect" what is in the product and it can now be sold in stores.

Teens might "sprinkle it on top of their Wheaties for breakfast."

The powdered drink managed to drum up controversy last year when it used copy on its website "suggesting that users sneak packets into venues to avoid paying for overpriced booze," and acknowledging that it was possible to snort Palcohol. Many consumers are still concerned that powdered alcohol will be abused by teens, but these concerns have not convinced the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. A spokesperson notes, "Potential for abuse isn't grounds for us to deny a label."

Though the federal government has given Palcohol a green light, many states have already passed or are planning to pass legislation to ban it. Colorado, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Vermont have banned Palcohol; other states may take similar measures.

Lawmakers are worried that the product will "increase underage drinking." The executive director of the County Sheriffs of Colorado is even concerned that teens will go so far as to "sprinkle it on top of their Wheaties for breakfast." Regardless, Palcohol is moving forward: According to the company's website, Palcohol will be in stores this summer.