![Alert on](https://img.passeportsante.net/1000x526/2021-09-23/produits-ressemblent-aliments-risques-confusion-enfants.jpeg)
” No, it cannot be eaten! “. Here is the alert message published by the association for the protection of buyers, 60 million consumers. More and more household and hygiene products are presented in a form that makes you want to eat them. Beware of confusion, especially among the youngest.
A well-known sales technique
A macaroon-shaped soap, a detergent that looks like soda or hydro-alcoholic gel packaged in a gourd like compotes… These are products that surprise and make you want to treat yourself to them. However, they can be confused with foodstuffs and be inadvertently ingested, especially by children. The risk exists and this is why the Repression of Fraud (DGCCRF) once again warns against the sale of these products in attractive packaging. Last year, the organization inspected 244 structures and sampled 27 non-compliant products, 19 of which were dangerous. The majority of products, ie 77%, subject to controls did not comply with the regulations in force. There is in fact a decree, which dates from September 9, 1992, named ” decree confusion “. This law refers in particular to the prevention of risks related to products which imitate foodstuffs with characteristics such as shape, smell, color, appearance, packaging, labeling, volume or cut.
The National Health Security Agency is also concerned about this growing phenomenon, as revealed in the association’s press release: ” Sometimes very realistic, these products encourage purchasing by stimulating the consumer’s gluttony, by associating its use with a moment of sensory pleasure, even by attracting the youngest, thus obscuring the potential risks that result from it. “
Real risks
Certain cosmetic or hygiene products can be confused, especially in the mind of a child, if they have a food connotation. A chocolate-shaped soap can entice them to bite into it just like a candle or a fruit-shaped gum. Investigators are also warning of certain toys that may look like donuts or burgers. Children can ingest the product in question, the risk of suffocation is then increased.
According to the association 60 million consumers, the dangers and risks of domestic accidents are very real. Doctor Jérôme Langrand, head of the Paris poison control center, identifies “ several cases of accidents each year related to misleading packaging. ” And to specify that “Confusion of containers is a major source of accidents. »It is possible to report the presence of a product that has too much resemblance to a food on signal.conso.gouv.fr. Active ” the risk of confusion and the more specific exposure of children “, It is the Repression of frauds which decides.