And then you go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like.....

I got a prescription from the doctor yesterday.

The box said Keep out of sight and reach of children.

"Wow!" I thought, "It must be potent if children can be affected by the sight of it". I doubt that even razor-blades have such a strong warning on them.

I think I understand what the manufacturer was trying to convey by this warning. If a child catches sight of this item, he or she may try to get hold of it. Surely keeping it out of reach is sufficient though?

I object to the type of warning which suggests we're too stupid to see the obvious for ourselves, such as on my personal favourite warning, which was on a rather tasty pack of 4-Nut Flapjacks - "CONTAINS NUTS". Duh....!

However, all kinds of products for human consumption on sale in our shops are mass produced in factories which also produce other products. Therefore, the warning "may contain wheat" is quite sensible when put on a packet of cheese, for example, but is it really necessary on a bag of flour?

The litigation culture has really caught on here in recent years. Every other advert on cable or satellite tv seems to be for "no-win, no-fee" lawyers so it's not surprising that businesses are becoming increasingly specific in their warnings so as to protect themselves from the stupidity or greed of some, and the misfortune of others. It's a shame it has to be this way, but, like Garlic Bread, it's the future*. There's no going back now.

I did a quick Google and found the following warnings listed on one site:

A novelty rock garden set: "Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth."

An electric DIY drill: "This product is not intended for use as a dental drill."

A push chair: "Remove child before folding."

A unique wind-proof beach towel: "This towel has been tested to withstand significantly strong winds. But please be advised that during a hurricane this product should not be used to secure yourself or anything of value."

A hair dryer warned users: "Never use while sleeping."

A bathroom heater company covered itself by saying: "This product is not to be used in bathrooms."

There are, apparently, 70,000 product liability law suits in the USA every year (Source: http://www.mundayweb.com/uselessfacts/american.php). Clearly they don't all sue though, as Bill Bryson, in his excellent book "Notes from a Big Country", states: "...every year more than 400,000 Americans suffer injuries involving beds,mattresses or pillows...That is more people than live in greater Coventry. That is almost 2,000 bed, mattress or pillow injuries a day."

I'd love to read some of those product warnings. Maybe "do not use if drowsy" or something like that?

* Apologies to non-fans of Peter Kay