# Really silly warnings that manufacturers put on products because they might get sued **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 30, 2001, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944 "2001-05-30T01:57:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![TV\_time](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f17d59/32.png) [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2001, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/61 "2001-06-02T19:59:33Z")
I had assumed that someone would have posted this one long before now, but apparently not. It is my favorite. The sun visors that you put in your windshield to keep your car from becoming too hot during the summer all have the same warning; “Warning, do not attempt to drive with this sun visor in place. Remove it from your windshield before driving.” I found an empty parking lot and attempted to drive with a couple in place. Outside of reverse or sticking my head out the window ala Ace Ventura, I couldn’t do it. TV ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2001, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/62 "2001-06-03T08:19:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by aha \* > \*\*I think they should put a warning label on Crown Royal Whisky: > May lead to sex. \*\* Hmm, think I’m going to have to switch to Crown Royal! 😃 Warning label on “Febreze”: **Do not spray directly towards face.** Guess that means indirect spraying’s okay! Will have to e-mail my Swedish pen pal to see if he can send me a scan of that chainsaw warning!! ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2001, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/63 "2001-06-04T11:15:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sterra \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > Warnings on chainsaws advising the operator NOT to stop the chain with one’s hands. > > > > I shudder to think what made this warning necessary. > > You obviously haven’t seen the swedish one(do not stop with hands or genitals) \*\* [Svedish accent] “Hey Inga – look how hard I am!” [/Svedish accent] \ ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_Wright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@Steve\_Wright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_Wright)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2001, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/64 "2001-06-04T11:43:22Z")
Fragment of conversation in canteen one day… “That’s _so_ stupid. This bottle of fizzy water’s got a warning on it, ‘Open by hand’. How else _would_ you open it?” “Oh, there’s a reason for that. They’ve found people are using their teeth to twist the caps off while they’re driving… and, of course, the water gets all shaken up and sprays everywhere, and that can cause an accident…” “Oh” (Pause) “Yes… it could short out their cellphone, couldn’t it?” ---
**Author:** ![Rue\_DeDay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/41988e/32.png) [@Rue\_DeDay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rue_DeDay)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2001, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/65 "2001-06-04T11:48:59Z")
Claymore anti-personnel mines actually have “Do not eat” and “This side toward enemy” stamped on them. (Be all that you cn be…) The Red River Gorge pamphlet has a “Cliffline Safety” heading… [ul] [li] **Avoid camping near the edge of cliffs.** You may be closer to the edge than you realize.[/li][li] **Alcohol and cliffs don’t mix!** If you drink, avoid getting close to cliffs.[/li][/ul] …that pesky Terminal Impact Trauma… ---
**Author:** ![Azura\_Borealis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ab992/32.png) [@Azura\_Borealis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Azura_Borealis)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2001, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/66 "2001-06-04T14:27:38Z")
A ginsu knife warning label: \*\* Warning - Keep Out of Children!\*\* Really?!?! Gee, I’d have never been clever enough to guess that on my own! Wha! And this is not really a warning label, but it **IS** in my local phonebook (and i have a photo to prove it) And it should definately serve as a warning, of some sort. Under “Hairstylists” you will find boldly and clearly marked a fair sized ad which reads: :eek: \*\*\* Mad Hacker Hair Design\*\*\* :eek: Yep - I’d say that’s warning enough for me. ---
**Author:** ![Azura\_Borealis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ab992/32.png) [@Azura\_Borealis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Azura_Borealis)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2001, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/67 "2001-06-04T14:43:48Z")
i recently got an email about this, and it listed how a scad of people somehow managed to sue someone else as a result of a loved ones death. In conclusion, it said… “So when my ass is found dead in front of this computer - somebody, had better sue Bill Gates.” There is no warning label regarding death by computer addiction, or death by sleep deprivation, resulting from computer addiction, or even death by walking outside and being hit by a speeding truck as a result of being too delerious to see, as a result of sleep deprivation caused by computer addiction. So - since there is no warning label on my computer… if someone doesn’t hear from me by 12:00 noon today - after I take a little walk down the street to buy more Mt Dew, Someone please justify, avenge and benefit financially from my death, by suing his ass. Ty 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Pucette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/278dde/32.png) [@Pucette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucette)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2001, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/68 "2001-06-04T15:50:05Z")
Just found this very small print one yesterday on a bottle of face cleanser: “Do not use if allergic to any listed ingredients.” Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Cleophus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e57/32.png) [@Cleophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cleophus)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/69 "2001-06-09T02:02:52Z")
The “may contain nuts” messages are not so silly as they may seem. While certain foods that do not normally contain nuts, such as 6-pack cheese crackers, contain such warnings, it makes sense because the equipment that packages nut-containing foods, such as peanut-butter cheese crackers, may later process something like cheddar and wheat crackers. A person with nut allergies may have a reaction from any trace products in the food. ---
**Author:** ![BooBoo316](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@BooBoo316](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BooBoo316)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/70 "2001-06-09T05:46:58Z")
Found on a package of roasted peanuts: “Remove shell before consuming nutmeats” And all this time I thought they were just extra crunchy. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mats\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8edcca/32.png) [@Mats\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mats_K)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/71 "2001-06-09T06:44:02Z")
This was on a packet of 2 minute noodles. “Cook for 5 minutes.” ---
**Author:** ![deepbluesea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@deepbluesea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deepbluesea)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/72 "2001-06-09T12:02:27Z")
Well, I sort of hoped someone else would post this, but - the instructions for Tampax tampons (and I just checked the ones enclosed with my current box, so I know I’m remembering this correctly) say: **FOR MENSTRUAL USE ONLY** This astounds me. What other possible uses did the manufacturer consider? Are they trying to warn me against inserting tampons during a non-period time, just for fun? Let’s face it, when this is the top of your ‘recreational activities’ list, you need more help than a simple warning - or even a full sheet of instructions - can possibly supply. Or are they trying to warn me against entirely non-vaginal uses of this product? Like, say, using a tampon if I get a bloody nose? Or to blot up spilled milk? I am at a loss, and have been since I first noticed this warning. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/73 "2001-06-09T15:49:15Z")
Just got a response from my Swedish pen pal on the chainsaw warning label issue: > [@](#): > > I checked my McCullogh chainsaw, does indeed says not to stop > the chain with the hand, but nothing about genitals, no. > > Silly warning labels, you americans does lead by far, but we have some nice ones here too, like on the Gothenburg trams, a few windows are able to open, but only to a 6" slot, but the still there is a warning sign sayin “Don’t > lean out!” > > At the paint factory I buy my stuff and also works now and then there are warning signs about Toluen,Xylen,Asol and other nice chemicals, labels says if an accident happens, “Get urgent mecical care and bring in and show this container to the doctor” Trouble is that container is a 70 gallon barrel… Looks like the part about the genitals is an UL, but its nice to see we’re not the only country with stupid warnings on products. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/74 "2001-06-09T20:56:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by deepbluesea \* > Like, say, using a tampon if I get a bloody nose? There was a Beavis and Butthead episode about that very thing! “Hehehe…could you like, show me those things, that you put in your thing, when you get your thing?” ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2022, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/75 "2022-10-31T15:07:53Z")
Just read this on a pack of 2 Danish pastries : “Once opened, eat on day of purchase” ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2022, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/76 "2022-10-31T15:41:43Z")
> [@pjd](#): > > Just read this on a pack of 2 Danish pastries : > “Once opened, eat on day of purchase” - What if you don’t open until the day after? Will the Danish Police give you a ticket? ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2022, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/77 "2022-10-31T16:13:29Z")
I don’t know - i didn’t want to risk it ! ---
**Author:** ![JohnGalt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johngalt/32/184_2.png) [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2022, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/78 "2022-10-31T16:19:32Z")
Just don’t eat it 21 years later; they’re not Twinkies. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2022, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/79 "2022-10-31T16:20:43Z")
> [@messiah](#): > > packet of cashews recently purchased > > warning: “may contain nuts” My response is so timely! Cashews aren’t technically nuts. I bet the cashews are processed in a facility that does use true nuts and they are warning people with allergies to true nuts. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2022, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944/80 "2022-10-31T16:36:19Z")
Advisory on a box of Screaming Sicilian frozen pizza: “Due to unique ingredients, toppings may have shifted.” If you slide the pizza out of the plastic wrapper and get buried in a hail of pepperoni, don’t say you weren’t warned. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-silly-warnings-that-manufacturers-put-on-products-because-they-might-get-sued/66944.md?page=5)