Warning Label

[den]

I'm munching my way through a packet of Nobby's Salted Peanuts, when I notice a warning label on the back of the packet.

"WARNING: The equipment that packed this product my have come into contact with peanuts."

While that is good to know Just In Case, I was happy to see that they felt I was adult enough to not need a warning about this product containing peanuts. I know there are people with life-threatening allergies to minute traces of peanuts and these warnings are for them but this is a packet of Salted Peanuts, ingredients salt, peanuts and vegetable oil. I think we can take it as read that the product contains peanuts and the equipment that packed it may have come into contact with said peanuts.

What I need now is a beer. Warning: may contain alcohol.

I bloody hope so.

Comments

[klishnor.livejournal.com]

It isn't quite as insane as it seems. If you're really violently allergic to the things, then the minute traces that you get on the outside of the packet could trigger the reaction.

Imagine you have such an allergy and are buying peanuts for family or friends who don't. You can pick up the packet thinking you're perfectly safe since there's a layer of plastic between you and your nemesis, then later rub your mouth with the same hand. It's possible to get enough transfer to trigger your allergy.

Stranger warning signs have appeared, such as:
"Do not hold this way up" which appeared on the bottom a cake.
"May contain nuts" on a packet of nuts.
"Do not iron clothing whilst wearing it" on an electric iron.

[ngarewyrd.livejournal.com]

The thing is, the "warning, may contain peanuts' text usually is quite quite small, and you have to pick up the packaging to _find_ it usually

and we're talking about a packet of salted peanuts, Anyone who's stupid enough to purchase Salted peanuts then say 'I can't eat this cos I'm allergic to peanuts' is a damn fool

[klishnor.livejournal.com]

The thing is, the "warning, may contain peanuts' text usually is quite quite small, and you have to pick up the packaging to _find_ it usually.

Yes, warnings should be clearer, something on the size of the ones we Brits have to have on our cigarettes and other tobacco products, which is about 1/3rd of the front face and 1/4 of the sides or back. But no goverment would try to enforce that.

and we're talking about a packet of salted peanuts, Anyone who's stupid enough to purchase Salted peanuts then say 'I can't eat this cos I'm allergic to peanuts' is a damn fool

I agree there, but you can buy stuff you're allergic to for others, and knowing that there is some danger even from the packaging might be useful if it's clear enough.