(CNN) If you're traveling by plane with more than 12 ounces of cosmetics powder, dry spices, protein mix or talcum, you may want to check it.

That's because the Transportation Security Administration has been taking a closer look at containers of powder that fit more than the volume of a standard soda can.

The TSA's new scrutiny about powders in carry-on luggage stems from a foiled plot to blow up a passenger plane in Australia, an airline official told CNN Wednesday. The would-be attackers planned to place the improvised explosive device on an Etihad Airways flight last July , but the device didn't get past the airline's check-in desk.

If packed in a carry-on bag, such containers of powder could be subject to extra screening or banned from the airplane cabin. If TSA officers can't figure out what the powder is, it may be discarded or put into checked baggage.

To cut the risk of having items thrown out, the TSA encourages passengers to put powder substances of more than 12 ounces into checked bags.

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