Consumer Reports, 'Early Show' Need to Brush Up on Cleaning Products
-- February 16 Segment Misleads Consumers On Ingredient Information, Product Safety
-- Cleaning Product Industry Offering More Information Than Ever on Product Ingredients
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 – http://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.
The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA – www.cleaning101.com), the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry®, represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. SDA members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. SDA and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of some 240 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of $80 billion annually in the U.S. of hundreds of familiar consumer products that help household, institutional and industrial customers create cleaner and healthier environments. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; candles, fragrances and air fresheners that eliminate odors; pest management products for home, garden and pets; cleaning products for use throughout the home; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; and a host of other products used every day. Through its product stewardship program Product Care®, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides its members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety, sustainability and environmental impacts of their products. For more information, please visit www.cspa.org.
SOURCE Soap and Detergent Association
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