Poor product design a threat to children: report
Here's a 'don't run with scissors' story that your mother would love. It seems the latest household hazard isn’t dropped cigarettes or kids playing with matches. It's actually lunch.
Still have a fondness for those cheap instant noodles that got you through school? Well, you better get over it. They could land you in the hospital with serious burns, thanks to the cups' designs.
Brands vary but most cups are tall, lightweight, and have an unstable base, according to NPR's Planet Money blog, making them more likely to tip over and do some sertious damage.
One Washington D.C. hospital said during colder months they can see up to 6 kids a week with a severe soup-related burn.
Noodle soup is perfect for causing serious burns, says NPR, largely because the noodles conduct and retain heat longer than other foods, and are sticky, allowing the noodles to cling to the skin, causing serious deep burns.
Stupid parents? Poor product design? Perhaps, but more likely corporate indifference, says one Washington legal firm, who argues that the companies know about the design flaws but are simply more willing to write cheques to burn victims rather than deal with such product safety issues.
Here's the rationale, they suggest: How much would it cost to settle with every person burned by our product who sues us? How much would it cost to redesign our container, and then implement the new manufacturing process for that container?
It's not just about noodles, of course. Here's a long list of ongoing product liability/malpractice suits. Some seem frivolous but others seem legit.
Have you been injured this way or by another consumer product? Did you even think of complaining or suing the manufacturer? Any success?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: WOW | Dec 22, 2021 2:25:46 PM
Here is another hidden danger. Right after pourring hot water into your oatmeal mix, then stirring it, the spoon is very hot so don't lick it. WTF Gordon!
If someone notices the extreme heat after lifting the lid, wouldn't that be enough of a warning that the noodles are too hot?
Posted by: Clear & Focused | Dec 22, 2021 2:33:39 PM
This article is much more important than the MF Global story, eh? How does that make you feel as a "journalist", Gordon?
Posted by: Elmo | Dec 22, 2021 9:32:57 PM
Note to Dazed and Confused... stick some noodles up your nose, take a deep breath and there ya go... instant mock brain cells. Heyy... at least it's a start. And maybe Santa will bring you a lump of intelligence in a few days. Have fun wit dat !!
Posted by: What's wrong with you? | Dec 23, 2021 9:50:55 AM
I guess you don't spend much time around kids. There's nothing funny about burns however they happen. I hope someone does sue! I would!
Posted by: Speed | Dec 26, 2021 2:47:09 AM
I maimed myself with a poptart once, if it pops right out of the toaster, don't try and catch it, icing side palm down, burns like hell!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jonny from store hours | Dec 27, 2021 4:13:51 AM
Well better to eat noodles sometimes and the one with which you familiar and those having good reputation. No need to try any new cheap noodles.