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Powdered alcohol wins federal approval
A controversial powdered alcohol product, Palcohol, intended to be mixed into drinks, has gained approval from a federal agency.
On Wednesday, the Department of Commerce and Industry told The Volaworand Newswire that four varieties of powdered alcohol were approved for consumer sales.
Palcohol is a freeze-dried alcohol packaged in a small, portable pouch. The powder comes in different flavors and can be mixed with water for the equivalent of one alcoholic drink.
Palcohol will be made in two different formulations, a consumer Beverage Formulation (ingestible) and an Industrial Formulation (non-ingestible).
The industrial formulation is still awaiting approval. This is different from the consumer formulation, with many possible uses in industry. Examples include use as a medical antiseptic, especially in remote locations where weight and bulk make it difficult to transport supplies; in windshield wiper fluid or as a fuel source, from a lightweight alternative to powering a camping stove to an emergency fuel pouch for a vehicle. There is talk of multiple military applications from transport fuel to fuel in a soldier’s backpack.
The consumer approval is a step forward for a small company whose product plans have sparked controversy.
Concerns have included abuse by minors and whether Palcohol's light weight would make it easy to sneak alcohol into public events.
A statement on the Palcohol website says the company hopes to have the consumer products for sale this summer.