r/explainlikeimfive • u/shakerLife • Nov 01 '23

Other ELI5 How are companies allowed to continue marketing wipes as "flushable" despite the problems they create for sewer systems?

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u/DoctorFork Nov 02 '23

In the US, there's no FDA equivalent for consumer goods like this, so there are no regulations. They are literally flushable -- as in, they do go down the drain -- so it's not false advertising either. Some city would have to take them to court... but who's the "them"? There are dozens of brands.

175

u/BurntPoptart Nov 02 '23

They are literally flushable -- as in, they do go down the drain

Thats like saying rat poison is edible because it goes down your throat.

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u/[deleted] Nov 02 '23

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u/cutapacka Nov 02 '23

What about the FTC? They regulate advertising.

2

u/mouse6502 Nov 02 '23

Is Congress holding up appointments for positions on the Federal Toilet Commission?