The World’s Worst Products

Consumers International today announced the 2007 winners of the International Bad Products Awards.  400 delegates from national consumer organizations and governments met in Sydney, Australia to attend Consumers International’s World Conference.  The result – the worst products in the world were selected.

The purpose of the International Bad Products Awards according to the Consumers International website is, “to highlight failings of corporate responsibility and the abuse of consumer trust by internationally recognized brands.”  Consumers International’s Director General, Richard Lloyd further explains:

“These multi-billion dollar companies are global brands with a responsibility to be honest, accountable and responsible. In highlighting their shortcomings Consumers International and its 220 member organisations are holding corporations to account and demanding businesses take social responsibility seriously.”

I think these awards are a great idea.  I agree that companies have a responsibility to consumers who trust the brands those companies sell.  Unfortunately, once a company gains consumers’ trust with a brand, that trust is often taken advantage of as companies prioritize profits over social responsibility and consistent branding. 

Here’s a rundown of the International Bad Products Awards winners:

• Overall Winner and Bad Drug Promotion Award: Takeda Pharmaceuticals – marketed a sleeping pill for children, Rozerem, with images of back-to-school, school buses, chalk boards and children.
• Bad Toys Award: Mattel (NYSE: MAT) - 21 million toys recalled in 2007.
• Bad Drinks Marketing Award: Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) - Dasani water comes from the same place that tap water comes from.
• Bad Food Award: Kellogg’s (NYSE: K) – advertised junk food to kids with cartoon character ties-ins.

What do you think of Consumers International’s choices?  Can you think of any others that should be added to the list?

Follow the link to read the full International Bad Products Awards 2007 Press Release.