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The Straight Story

(48,121 posts)
Fri May 9, 2014, 12:46 PM May 2014

Detergent pulled in Germany over neo-Nazi code

BERLIN (AP) — Detergent manufacturer Procter & Gamble has prompted anger in Germany after unintentionally placing a neo-Nazi code on promotional packages for Ariel washing powder.

Outraged shoppers have posted pictures online of Ariel boxes featuring a large number "88" on a white soccer jersey.

The use of Nazi slogans in public is banned in Germany, which neo-Nazis often try to circumvent by using codes. They use "88" to represent the phrase "Heil Hitler," because "H'' is the eighth letter of the alphabet. Similarly, "18" is used to stand for "A.H." or Adolf Hitler.

Procter & Gamble acknowledged Friday that the number was "unintentionally ambiguous." Spokeswoman Melanie Schnitzler said the company has stopped shipping the offending powder, as well as a liquid detergent that was being promoted as "Ariel 18."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/05/09/germany-hitler-detergent/8897153/

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Detergent pulled in Germany over neo-Nazi code (Original Post) The Straight Story May 2014 OP
One thing could be a mistake, two, though? I think that's a bit suspicious. nt MADem May 2014 #1
P&G seems to get into nykym May 2014 #2
They should have shipped it to China FarCenter May 2014 #3
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