Powdered alcohol has a new enemy in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Drug & Alcohol Programs launched a statement in support of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s decision to prohibit the sale of powdered alcohol (Palcohol).

Pennsylvania’s safety is its main concern, according to this statement. “This product is easy to conceal and could easily lead to an increase in substance abuse or misuse by minors and adults. In 2013, drunk driving accidents resulted in more than 342 deaths in Pennsylvania, with nearly 20 percent of those drivers falling between the ages of 16-20. The mission of the Department of Health is to improve the health of all Pennsylvanians.”

Potentially easier access for youths to Palcohol, and its easy use in places where alcohol is not permitted are also contributors to the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Drug & Alcohol Programs’ stance.

“We believe that the endorsement of products that may strongly appeal to our youth or make it easier for individuals to consume alcohol in places they would otherwise not be permitted to do so by law creates an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of Pennsylvania residents,” said Karen Murphy, Acting Secretary of Health.

Powdered alcohol was approved for sale in the United States  last March. Since then several states have decided to ban its use and other states are considering it, Pennsylvania is among the latter. But the controversy continues. Last Monday, the Washington House of Representatives voted (91-6) to ban powdered alcohol. The following day, Arizona Governor’s Doug Ducey vetoed the bill that would have banned this product in his state.