Stupid Warning Labels

[iahawkhunter]

What stupid warnings have you seen on products? A recent mention of the lady who sued McDonalds over hot coffee got me thinking about this and I'm wondering what other stupid/common-sense warnings you have seen.

One of my favorites is "Remove baby from stroller before folding."

[SeattleClone]

I remember those "AutoShades", piece of cardboard that folded up accordion-style and could be placed across the windshield when parked on a hot sunny day. There was a warning on that 'do not attempt to drive with AutoShade in place.'

Most warning labels really hinder natural selection.

[fatkid1974]

Automotive fan belts. "stop engine before removing belt" is my personal favorite.

[CycoCyclone]

I love the picture of a baby upside down in a 5 gallon bucket. Anything you buy in a 5 gallon bucket has the picture of the damned baby on it.

[MB4CY]

I'm a fan of the labels on some hair dryers that warn you to not use it while showering.

The reality is, the labels themselves aren't stupid. They're there to protect companies from lawsuits brought by idiots. If it weren't a real threat that equally idiotic juries would award huge compensation to people who lack any common sense whatsoever, then we wouldn't see these labels.

[iahawkhunter]

I'm a fan of the labels on some hair dryers that warn you to not use it while showering.

The reality is, the labels themselves aren't stupid. They're there to protect companies from lawsuits brought by idiots. If it weren't a real threat that equally idiotic juries would award huge compensation to people who lack any common sense whatsoever, then we wouldn't see these labels.

Very true. "Stupid" is a bit of a misnomer (my apologies) since the stupidity is on the part of the user, not the manufacturer. How about "Pathetic", "Sorry", or "Unfortunate"?

[cloneswereall]

I like the mower and snowblower warnings that tell you not to stick your hands in the blades with the motor running.

[2020cy]

I think the Superman Halloween costumes have warnings that say, costume does not give the wearer the ability to fly.

[Irresponsible]

What stupid warnings have you seen on products? A recent mention of the lady who sued McDonalds over hot coffee got me thinking about this and I'm wondering what other stupid/common-sense warnings you have seen.

In re: McDonald's coffee lawsuit.

Suppose it works like this (and I'm not saying it does because I'm too lazy to research it, but I've heard this version):

McDonald's keeps their coffee at 180 degrees because it keeps longer. The FDA tells them it's dangerous to keep coffee that hot. It should be 160 degrees. McDonald's research tells them they will have to throw away thousands of dollars of coffee if they change to 160. So, they keep it at 180.

FDA returns for a later inspection. They tell McDonalds they need to keep coffee at no more than 160. McDonalds wants to save money so they keep it at 180. A lady buys the coffee and burns herself. FDA says, "We told you so." Lady files a lawsuit equivalent to two-day's revenue of McDonalds coffee sales. Jury (of idiots) agrees and awards $10,000,000 (or whatever the number is) to coffee-spilling lady. McDonalds raises all coffee prices $0.10 to cover.

Adds a different complexion to the story, doesn't it?

[matmann22]

I bought one of those insulated Thermos brand insulated containers because the advertising said it keeps hot fluids hot, and cold fluids cold.

When you open the container, the first piece of paper says not to use it for hot fluids...

[LindenCy]

I remember those "AutoShades", piece of cardboard that folded up accordion-style and could be placed across the windshield when parked on a hot sunny day. There was a warning on that 'do not attempt to drive with AutoShade in place.'

Most warning labels really hinder natural selection.

Avatar win!

[CyFan987]

I like the mower and snowblower warnings that tell you not to stick your hands in the blades with the motor running.

I know someone who lost part of their finger to this

[laytonz]

In re: McDonald's coffee lawsuit.

Suppose it works like this (and I'm not saying it does because I'm too lazy to research it, but I've heard this version):

McDonald's keeps their coffee at 180 degrees because it keeps longer. The FDA tells them it's dangerous to keep coffee that hot. It should be 160 degrees. McDonald's research tells them they will have to throw away thousands of dollars of coffee if they change to 160. So, they keep it at 180.

FDA returns for a later inspection. They tell McDonalds they need to keep coffee at no more than 160. McDonalds wants to save money so they keep it at 180. A lady buys the coffee and burns herself. FDA says, "We told you so." Lady files a lawsuit equivalent to two-day's revenue of McDonalds coffee sales. Jury (of idiots) agrees and awards $10,000,000 (or whatever the number is) to coffee-spilling lady. McDonalds raises all coffee prices $0.10 to cover.

Adds a different complexion to the story, doesn't it?

This is very close. Also it should be noted the lady received third degree burns to her genitals (ouch). While I agree a lot of stupid lawsuits take place, maybe everyone should look at things a little closer before complaining.

[cycfan1]

I know someone who lost part of their finger to this

The Mayor?

Funny story - Larry Curtis (accounting teacher) always told the story that he lost his finger in a snowblower while he was mayor of Ames in the early 90s. When he was rushed to the ER, everyone was going insane because they said they were bringing the mayor in who had just had a serious hand accident. I think everyone was relived when they found out it was just the actual mayor of Ames.

[mac4cy]

Pop-Tarts say remove from wrapper before putting in toaster. The only way I can tell is that these warnings are in place because somebody idiot tried it and then complained. Now they have to put all of those stupid *** warnings on everything.