Company is red-faced after outraged shoppers post pictures of
Ariel boxes featuring a large number '88'.
An Ariel liquid detergent bottle with an '18'
on it. '18' is the neo-Nazi code for Adolf Hitler. (AP Photo/Ferdinand Ostrop)
By: Associated Press
BERLIN—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.”
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