Suffolk County, New York – Federal officials warned consumers of the emergence of powdered products, saying these innovative powdered alcohol and caffeine are dangerous.
The county health department urged consumers to stay away from powdered pure caffeine. Consuming such product will require the consumer to visit an urgent care clinic due to its dangerous effects.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said a teaspoon of the powdered caffeine product is equivalent to 25 cups of coffee. The FDA strongly warned consumers after a teenager died in July due to the product. The FDA said the powdered products are 100% caffeine, a powerful stimulant that could cause an accidental overdose even in small amounts.
Health officials emphasized that measuring powdered pure caffeine accurately is impossible with common kitchen tools, thus, people might consume a lethal amount. However, the powdered caffeine is not the only stimulant that needs urgent care and attention.
‘Palcohol’, a powdered alcohol product has also hit the store shelves, prompting Senator Charles Schumer to ask store owners in boycotting the new product. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulated the alcoholic product, but the agency does not have the legal authority in controlling the content beyond its alcohol percentage. The senator requested the FDA to assess the product’s health risks, but sadly was unsuccessful.
Despite the FDA’s rejection to investigate, the senator pointed out that retailers should be responsible in keeping away the dangerous powdered products, especially from kids on Long Island, who were exposed to drinking alcohol at a very young age. Keeping away such products can serve as an urgent care near me solution among young alcohol buyers.
Consequently, the creator of Palcohol Mark Phillips stated that the product is similar to other alcoholic beverages which still can be consumed responsibly. His company called Lipsmark, also claimed of the benefits of the product, pointing out to its portability, perfect for outdoor activities, and prevents the trouble of carrying alcohol bottles. The price, which yet to be determined will be more expensive compared to liquid alcohol, said Phillips. This will also discourage people from abusing it, preventing unnecessary visits to urgent care clinics and retaining their clear-headedness simultaneously.
Despite the positive advertisement of Palcohol, liquor stores like the Village Liquor and Michael’s Liquors in Southold and Riverhead respectively, said they were not interested in carrying and selling such powdered products in their stores.
