Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) said no microplastics were detected in eight bottle washer products from six companies currently distributed and sold on the market, but recommended that they display specific test conditions that were not indicated.
On the 25th, the consumer agency checked whether microplastics were detected before and after using eight bottle washer products sold on the market and it was found that none showed microplastics.
After rinsing new products three times without contents and measuring the last discharge water for the presence of microplastics, all test items recorded below the detection limit. When the washers were used more than 100 times in the same conditions as actual use, with detergent and a glass baby bottle, and the bottles and discharge water were measured for microplastics, none were detected.
However, while all eight products use the phrase "no microplastics detected" in sales channels and elsewhere, each company was flagged for failing to properly indicate detailed test conditions and other specifics. This could mislead consumers. The consumer agency therefore recommended that those surveyed, the six companies, specify the concrete conditions for microplastics testing and inspection.
Some products did not comply with the mandatory labeling requirements under the Electrical Appliances and Household Products Safety Management Act. Electrical appliances must be labeled on the product or packaging with information that identifies the time of manufacture, such as the model name and the month and year of manufacture. However, the sobemom product (ZMW-STHB01) did not have a verifiable model name, and the Delfan product (DEL-BW9) lacked adequate labeling to identify the time of manufacture. The consumer agency recommended corrective action to the businesses to comply with the mandatory labeling requirements.
The consumer agency shared the findings with the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards and requested stronger safety standards related to bottle washer products. A consumer agency official said, "We will continuously monitor new products released on the market and take proactive measures if risk factors are identified."