5 Wackiest Product Warning Labels

Contest selects the most 'duh' labels
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 17, 2011 10:25 AM CDT
14th Annual Wacky Warning Labels Contest Selects Finalists
In an undated photo provided by the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch, a warning on a compact tractor that reads "Danger: Avoid Death" has been chosen as the nation's wackiest warning label by the anti-lawsuit group. The" Wacky Warning Label Contest," now in its 11th year, is conducted by the Michigan Lawsuit...   (AP Photo/Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch, Robert B. Dorigo Jones,)

Ballpoint pen-chewers, take note: The cap in your mouth can obstruct breathing if swallowed. Common sense? Apparently for speakers of French, Spanish, and German. This warning appears only in the English section of the multilingual instructions from the pen manufacturer, according to the creator of the Wacky Warning Labels contest. The contest, now in its 14th year, calls out silly warning labels and fights the standard of frivolous litigation. "The lawsuit problem is a uniquely American problem," the contest creator said, "People in other countries do not sue when they cause an injury to themselves because their systems don't allow it."

The other four finalists:

  • On a dust mask: "Does not supply oxygen."
  • On a hot tub cover: "Avoid drowning. Remove safety cover from spa when in use."
  • For would-be bicycle riders:"The action depicted in this brochure is potentially dangerous. The riders seen are experts or professionals."
  • For a leather handgun holster designed to look like a personal digital assistant: "For gun only, not a functional day planner."
(More civil lawsuits stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X