02.19.10
Consumer Reports and the CBS Early Show missed a golden opportunity to properly inform viewers on how manufacturers of consumer household products are sharing more information than ever before about the ingredients found in their products.
Members of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) and the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association are communicating about the ingredients in their products through the Consumer Product Ingredient Communication Initiative, a proactive industry program that took effect on January 1, 2010.
Through the Initiative, companies are now providing meaningful information on ingredients in a more consistent, easy-to-understand format that will help consumers make informed decisions about the products they use in and around their homes. Companies participating in the initiative will have the options to list product ingredients on the product label; on the manufacturers’, distributors’, or importers’ website; via a toll-free telephone number; or through some other non-electronic means.
Providing options for sharing information about ingredients in products will allow companies to make the best determination on how to preserve existing product labeling instructions required under law in both the United States and Canada.It is critical that consumers read and follow the instructions on the product label.
Consumers can find more information about industry ingredient communication efforts through the Associations’ websites:
SDA – www.cleaning101.com/IngredientCentral
CSPA – www.cspa.org/public/media/info/cpici.html
Misinformation on Product Safety
SDA and CSPA also rebutted Consumer Reports’ claim that one “category” of products is somehow “safer” than another.There is no reputable scientific evidence to support such a claim.Both types of products are mixtures of chemicals; their source does not determine their safety.Both types of products have to be labeled to provide information on safe use.
Responsible manufacturers ensure their products go through comprehensive, extensive risk assessments, and also review scientific developments and monitor product use data that may affect the safety assessment process.An incredible amount of research and development goes on before these products ever hit the shelves, not to mention that the products must meet federal and state quality and safety regulations.
To ensure safe use, consumers should always read and follow the safety and usage information on the product label, and properly store the products out of the reach of children.
Members of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) and the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association are communicating about the ingredients in their products through the Consumer Product Ingredient Communication Initiative, a proactive industry program that took effect on January 1, 2010.
Through the Initiative, companies are now providing meaningful information on ingredients in a more consistent, easy-to-understand format that will help consumers make informed decisions about the products they use in and around their homes. Companies participating in the initiative will have the options to list product ingredients on the product label; on the manufacturers’, distributors’, or importers’ website; via a toll-free telephone number; or through some other non-electronic means.
Providing options for sharing information about ingredients in products will allow companies to make the best determination on how to preserve existing product labeling instructions required under law in both the United States and Canada.It is critical that consumers read and follow the instructions on the product label.
Consumers can find more information about industry ingredient communication efforts through the Associations’ websites:
SDA – www.cleaning101.com/IngredientCentral
CSPA – www.cspa.org/public/media/info/cpici.html
Misinformation on Product Safety
SDA and CSPA also rebutted Consumer Reports’ claim that one “category” of products is somehow “safer” than another.There is no reputable scientific evidence to support such a claim.Both types of products are mixtures of chemicals; their source does not determine their safety.Both types of products have to be labeled to provide information on safe use.
Responsible manufacturers ensure their products go through comprehensive, extensive risk assessments, and also review scientific developments and monitor product use data that may affect the safety assessment process.An incredible amount of research and development goes on before these products ever hit the shelves, not to mention that the products must meet federal and state quality and safety regulations.
To ensure safe use, consumers should always read and follow the safety and usage information on the product label, and properly store the products out of the reach of children.