Warning!

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

14 Sep 2006 05:26 AM

Of the many products used in our homes, most come with warning labels that advise consumers how to -and how not to- use each product.

Warning labels on various items can offer some good advice. However, one has to wonder what prompted some of the following warnings. I realize manufacturers have to protect against lawsuits, but some of these are pretty common sense. Apparently, common sense is quite lacking if these warnings are really necessary.

Household Items:

1. Hairdryer: Do not use while bathing.

Okay, do people really do this?

2. Iron: Never iron clothing while wearing it.

Are you kidding me? Sounds like a definite no-no.

3. Over the counter sleeping pills: May cause drowsiness.

Hello... Isn't that kind of the point?

4. Clothes dryer: Do not play in or on dryer. Not safe for pets or small children.

Duh! I guess they should have taken this one a step further and made sure people know the dryer is not safe for any size pet or child.

Food and Cooking:

1. Crunchy peanut butter: May contain peanuts

I understand applying such a label to products that one would not expect to contain peanuts, since peanut allergies can be quite serious. But, peanut butter? Crunchy peanut butter? Come on!

2. Toaster Pastry: Remove wrapper before placing in toaster.

Maybe they should add "remove wrapper before eating" as well, for the seriously common sense challenged.

3. Frozen pizza: Remove cardboard. Do not eat without cooking.

Well, I can understand the first part. It's more of a reminder than a cautionary statement. People do know that they should remove the cardboard, but they forget sometimes. However, the last part borders on insulting.

4. Microwaveable meals: Product will be hot after heating.

Hot after heating? You don't say. My five year old could have told you that... when she was three!

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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