15th Annual Wacky Warning Labels Contest: 2012 Winners Selected!

Contest creator Bob Dorigo Jones, bestselling author of Remove Child Before Folding: The 101 Stupidest, Silliest and Wackiest Warning Labels Ever, has reached hundreds of millions of Americans in the past decade with the important message of the Contest – "Absurd and silly labels surround us in everyday places – because America has a lawsuit-happy culture that must be changed!"

Bob's been talking about the Contest on his national weekly radio commentary, "Let's Be Fair!" and in his "Let's Be Fair!" blog (www.bobdorigojones.com).

"We've been tracking a growing trend this year – changes in consumer behavior as a result of scary labels," says Bob Dorigo Jones.  "Whether it be 'risk of fire' warnings on a heating pad that causes an elderly woman to forego the product, or worse, when people stop taking physician-prescribed medication because they fear the warnings, changes in consumer behavior have both economic and serious quality of life results."

Grand Prize Winner - $1,000

" These globes should not be referred to for navigation.”

A 7-inch decorative globe (submitted by Kelly Watson, Winona, Texas)

Second Prize Winner - $500

"Never use while sleeping."

A label on an electric razor for men (submitted by Dave Woehrer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Third Prize Winner - $250

"Keep product away from infants and children."

A neck pillow marketed for children (submitted by Noelle McDonald, San Jose, California)

Other Finalists

"Never use this product while driving."

A "Laptop Steering Wheel Desk" (submitted from Michigan)

"Caution:  Griddle surface may be hot during and after cooking."

Instructions that come with an electric skillet (submitted from Michigan)

Hilarious and thought provoking past winners include:

• "Remove child before folding" – on a baby stroller!
• "Does not supply oxygen" – a label on a common dust mask (2011 Contest Winner)
• "Never operate your speakerphone while driving" – on a hands-free cell phone product called the "Drive 'N' Talk"! (2010 Contest Winner)
• "Not for use on moving vehicles" – the warning on the "Off-Road Commode," a portable toilet seat that attaches to a trailer hitch!
• "Danger:  Avoid Death" – a warning on a small tractor!
• "Harmful if swallowed – a warning on a brass fishing lure with a three-pronged hook
• "This product moves when used" – a warning on a popular children's scooter!

Wacky Warning Labels is a project of The Center for America, a dynamic non-profit organization educating, motivating and empowering the American people to reduce barriers to free enterprise.  See more about CFA and Wacky Warning Labels at www.centerforamerica.org.