A Missouri state lawmaker has proposed banning baking soda from store shelves in order to prevent drug dealers from using it to make crack cocaine, KFVS-TV reported April 9.

Rep. Talibdin El-Amin, a Democrat from St. Louis, is proposing that baking soda only be sold behind the pharmacy counter to prevent crack production, similar to restrictions on cold medications intended to hinder the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.

"That's maybe going overboard," said Sikeston, Mo., resident Greg Colwick. "I would think baking soda is an item you're just used to picking up. It's convenient to do."

Some pharmacists agree, saying that the law restricting sales of formerly over-the-counter cold medicines has already become a hassle for them.