Latest news with #labeling
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Latin makeup labels put allergy sufferers at risk, say campaigners
Makeup and skincare ingredients should be listed in English and not Latin to protect people with allergies, campaigners companies display ingredients in Latin, or using scientific names. But MP Becky Gittins, who has a severe nut allergy, said this was a problem as "less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin".One mum, whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body wash, said cosmetics should be labelled in the same way as influencer Amy Loring said the labelling system was "frustrating" but for some could be "life threatening".The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said Latin-based names provided a universal language across the globe. Cosmetic companies list ingredients according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), a system which includes thousands of different Latin-based names. For example, sweet almond oil is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, peanut oil is Arachis Hypogaea, and wheat germ extract is Triticum Vulgare. Some cosmetic brands also list their ingredients in English, but this is not a requirement. Eve Huang's daughter Elysia, 9, is allergic to cow's milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree allergies are triggered not just by food but by airborne particles and skin contact."The Latin puts allergy sufferers at risk and it is so frustrating," said Ms Huang, from Hornchurch in Essex."Why are allergens not listed in bold? Why are there no warning signs?"Ms Huang said she recently bought Elysia a new skin-sensitive body wash. Within seconds of getting into the bath, Elysia became red and developed a hives rash all over her body. At first, they did not realise the cause was the body wash. Elysia did not develop anaphylaxis - a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction - but she did need to be treated. 'Google the Latin names' "A child should not have to take medicine simply for having a bath. A process of getting oneself clean should not make them seriously ill," said Ms said birthday parties could also be "a nightmare"."At one party, Elysia was gifted a facial mask in the party bag and I've had to explain she can't use it until I've 'Googled' the Latin names and checked whether it's safe."She added: "Some brands now include English translations, which is useful. But I would like to see similar, if not the same standards, as food packaging." Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East who is behind the campaign for change, has a severe nut allergy. If she were to use products containing nuts it could trigger said at a recent trip to a spa, she had to frantically "Google" Latin terms to check for allergens. "Even on a day that's supposed to be relaxing, I was still mitigating risk. It is incredibly difficult," she said."Less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin at any level. Even fewer would recognise these terms when checking the back of a packet to see if they can use certain toiletries or ointments – that then becomes a big problem."Gittins said her allergy meant she lived with "a base level of anxiety".She added: "Do I live a very restricted life, or do I go out and do the things that are more risky?"That is what we need to minimise - we need to make sure we have a much more allergy-friendly world so we can mitigate that risk." Amy Loring, a makeup artist from Cardiff who uses her Instagram page to provide skincare and cosmetics advice to thousands, said the labelling system needed to be "very clear"."I have hypersensitive skin and it's very uncomfortable when you're breaking out and have eczema over your face. There are some days I can't put anything on my skin because it is reacting so bad," said the 31-year-old."It is frustrating as a consumer when you get reactions like rosacea, redness, breakouts, and that's just mild allergies - it can be quite severe and life-threatening." The Latin names of cosmetic ingredients Almond (bitter): Prunus amygdalus amarAvocado: Persea gratissimaApricot: Prunus armeniacaBanana: Musa sapientumBrazil nut: Bertholletia excelsaCashew: Anacardium occidentaleChestnut: Castanea sativa/sylva or castanea crenataCoconut: Cocus nuciferaEgg: OvumFish liver oil: Piscum iecurHazelnut: Corylus rostrata, corylus americana, corylus avellanaKiwi fruit: Actinidia chinensis or actinidia deliciosaOat: Avena sativa or Avena strigosaPeach: Prunus persicaPeanut oil: Arachis HypogaeaSesame: Sesamum indicumSweet almond oil: Prunus amygdalus dulcisWalnut: Juglans regia or juglans nigraWheat germ extract: Triticum vulgare Regulations state that cosmetic ingredients must be listed clearly. If there is no outer packaging, the labelling will be on the container. If the product is very small, the ingredients may be listed on a the INCI system ensures consistency across the globe, critics say it leaves many consumers in the dark. Rachel Williams' son, Jacob, is allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds."It is difficult enough to navigate life with allergies without adding the learning of Latin on top of everything else," said Rachel, from Swansea."I can't always remember the name of certain nuts in Latin, or I doubt myself when I'm checking products. This means I have to search online every time I use a product. I would have a lot more confidence in the products if they stated all of the top 14 allergens in English."The CTPA has defended the use of INCI ingredient Rainsford, the director of science at the CTPA, said the system provided a universal language across the globe."For botanical or natural extracts, we refer to the Linnaean system, which is the international system for scientifically naming plants and animals, and lots of those names will be Latin-based," she said. "The reason we refer to that system is to have global harmonisation."I can see that perhaps people would think it may be easier to have the English name but if you are on holiday and you are looking at the ingredients list, you would need to know the name of the plant in whichever country you're in. "Whereas if we use the INCI system, you then just need to remember that one INCI name."The more consistency and harmonisation we have with the ingredient list is not only great for us when we're buying a product, it also makes life easier for companies."The industry has developed tools to help consumers navigate the such tool is the COSMILE app, which allows users to search ingredient names by scanning the label. The app aims to offer reliable and scientifically supported information on thousands of ingredients used in cosmetic products.A UK government spokesperson said: "Our regulations require all cosmetics to include a full list of ingredients that is clearly marked on the product label or packaging using generally accepted names."
CTV News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
CTV National News: AI-generated music blurs lines for listeners
Watch John Vennavally Rao reports on AI-created songs going viral and the accompanying debate over whether they should be clearly labeled for music fans.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Hinge report shows how Gen Z is leading a queer romance revolution
Labels can help shape our view of ourselves in a world that tries to fit us into categories and boxes. At the same time, labels have the potential to limit our capacity for growth and understanding, especially in the dating world. So what happens when labels start to feel old and outgrown? That's the delicious dilemma at the center of Hinge's third annual LGBTQ+ D.A.T.E. Report — D.A.T.E. stands for Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise. I sat down with Moe Ari Brown, Hinge's resident "love whisperer" (a marriage and family therapist by trade), to unpack the data trends and forecast the next great romance revolution. Label fatigue is a moment when once-empowering tags feel tight at the seams. 'People are wanting to shift an identity label or date someone outside their typical type, and they're feeling pressure to confirm,' Brown explains, noting that fear of side-eye often keeps folks frozen in the wrong lane. In other words, love is calling, but the label printer is jammed. Queer daters have always had to learn on the fly: Our stories rarely make it into mainstream relationship science. That's why Hinge celebrates its third annual report. 'LGBTQIA+ people have not always been centered in conversations around love,' Brown reminds. By quantifying our quirks, triumphs, and heartbreaks, the app hopes to turn anecdotes into actionable advice. If millennials cracked the closet door, Gen Z kicked it open and redecorated. According to the report, queer Gen Z daters are 21 percent more likely than millennials to date across gender expressions and 39 percent more likely to reconsider their sexuality label after an unexpected spark. Translation: They're remixing identity and attraction like a DJ, and culture is finally catching the beat. Brown credits a fluid zeitgeist and the visibility apps provide: 'They see each other daters living authentically, living openly,' he smiles. For this generation, another person's pronouns are an invitation, not a riddle. So, how do you claim your truth without limiting yourself? Brown's therapist-approved mantra is radical authenticity: Being yourself 'regardless of who's watching, even if there's a threat to belonging.' He urges daters to 'turn the light all the way up' because signaling your attraction (and quirks!) is how your people find you. Practical tweaks? Swap the laundry list of 'Must love dogs, brunch, and obscure 90s references' for prompts that showcase vibe over vital stats. On first dates, lean into humor and play; shared laughs soften the armor we wear when venturing beyond a 'type.' Nearly four in 10 Gen Z queer daters have reconsidered their label after an unexpected spark. Brown's gentle reframe: 'Who you like is not who you are.' Identity may anchor you, but relationships are surfboards riding shifting waves. His advice for handling nosy friends and family? Share only when you're ready to inform, not ask permission. Your love life isn't a group-project Google Doc. Hinge's expanding gender and orientation menus, along with its new Match Notes feature, aim to keep marginalized users from 'getting yanked out' of their romantic reverie. Brown remembers the first time someone's Match Note greeted him with his correct pronouns and a dash of swagger. 'It was a moment of recognition,' he sighs, still smitten. Digital tools that bake respect into the user experience means less emotional labor and more flirtatious banter. Looking ahead, Brown craves features that foster vulnerability past day three: 'We know what we want. Now, how do we cultivate it? How do we delete this app?' he laughs. Forget grand gestures; Brown says intimacy blooms in the details: Eye contact. In a world of sideways glances at selfie cameras, a sustained gaze feels downright electric. 'Eyes are the window to the soul' may be cliché, but evolutionary psychology agrees. Open body language & genuine smiles. Our nervous systems are co-regular, and a relaxed posture with real laughter signals safety before the first sip of Pinot. Active listening. Reflect, empathize, and resist the urge to pivot back to yourself too soon. Emotional ping-pong beats 20-question lightning rounds any day. Another great tip? Avoid the token trap. When someone reaches beyond their usual gender attraction, the line between curiosity and collection can blur. Red flag number one: a laser focus on one identity facet. The antidote? Treat dates as whole humans: Chicago upbringing, plant-dad energy, and all. If someone reduces you to a bullet point, cherish the block button as quickly as you would buy a new Telfar bag during a flash sale. Brown's dream for the fourth annual report is a deep dive into the 'vulnerability paradox' and how we crave being known but fear being seen. Understanding those roadblocks could finally shepherd more daters from 'Just matched!' to 'We deleted the app for good.' In the meantime, he champions community-led research, more safety tools, and tech that prioritizes joy over just-in-case disclaimers. After an hour of laughter, therapy nuggets, and mutual fangirling over Match Notes, one truth remains: love, especially queer love, thrives in radical authenticity. Whether you're a Gen Z free-spirit replacing 'she/they' with 'they/them' or a millennial who is masc Tuesdays and femme Fridays, the D.A.T.E. Report says the heart wants what it wants. And, hopefully, the app algorithms are finally catching up. So the next time you feel that familiar itch to edit your bio or your life, remember Brown's mic-drop wisdom: Turn your light all the way up. The right eyes will meet yours, the right laughter will echo back, and the right label will feel less like a straitjacket and more like your favorite vintage tee: soft, lived-in, and unmistakably you. This article originally appeared on Out: New Hinge report shows how Gen Z is leading a queer romance revolution
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
RIYADH: The Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo, the Middle East's leading event for the digital, print, graphic and imaging sectors, opened on Tuesday at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, spotlighting innovation and new solutions in the signage and labeling sectors. Held in conjunction with the inaugural Saudi Paper and Packaging Expo, it will run until May 22 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors from the retail, real estate, tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors, fuelling demand for signage, labelling, paper and packaging solutions. 'The events arrive at a time of continued industry growth driven by infrastructure investments, a growing retail sector and a demand for modern, sustainable product solutions in the Kingdom. We look forward to cooperation with local partners,' Ashraf Bastawesy, executive manager at CMYK digital print solutions, told Arab News. 'Specializing in digital printing and signage, we have displayed our big machines here demonstrating our technology and innovation in the sector. From our experiences last year, and operations in Saudi Arabia, I am very much optimistic about this expo. Saudi market is growing now and we have many opportunities in digital printing and signage and labelling,' he added. Commenting on diversity in product sectors, he said the expo this year is bigger and better, and that his company is happy to be here. Bringing more than 150 top-tier brands from more than 15 countries, including Belgium, China, France, Turkiye, Italy and India, the exhibition presents over 2,500 products. Visitors over the three days canill explore a diverse range of products and solutions in signage, printing, labelling, packaging automation, paper recycling and waste equipment as well as paper machinery and equipment to address evolving market demands. Among the major features at this year's expo are the live car wrapping and real-time printing demonstrations, offering attendees a chance to see industry skills and product capabilities first hand. Some of the key brands presenting live demos of their solutions, latest machinery, materials and wrapping techniques include CMYK, Digital Star Machinery and Equipments, Euro Media, WellCare Trading, City Sign Trading Services and Al Rish Al Khaleeji. Visitors will be able to watch live product demonstrations from exhibitors including Gulf Sparrows, a leading distributor of signage, advertising and LED solutions; Desert Sign Arabia, a leading distributor of a wide range of advertising, sign and graphics supplies, equipment and machinery; and Alnab Almoudei Trading, a leading supplier for advertising materials, display stands. These demos offer a close-up view of new technologies in action, including printing hardware, digital signage, packaging and labelling systems. Elsewhere on the exhibition floor, Label It, developed in collaboration with Lawazen Trading Group, will challenge participants to test their speed and accuracy in a high-pressure labelling showdown. This interactive challenge invites visitors to race against time to match product labels to their correct containers. Winners stand a chance to earn gift vouchers worth SR500 ($133) and the title of labelling champion. 'We are proud to return with the second edition of Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo. This year promises three engaging days where we look forward to welcoming buyers who are ready to explore new ideas, opportunities and partnerships,' said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president at DMG Events. Abdul Wahab Al Marzouq, general manager of Kuwait-based K4 General Trading & Contracting Co. told Arab News: 'We were here at the inaugural signage expo last year, this year we have doubled the size for commitment towards the signage and labelling, we are optimistic about the growing market in view of the transformation under Saudi Vision 2030. We are expanding our business in Saudi Arabia and this is a good opportunity to work with local companies. 'Our expectation is that we will be more engaged with Saudi companies to do mega projects here. We are here to show our capacity and capability on the projects that we have done in the region,' he added. As a response to the Kingdom's evolving demand for signage and packaging industries, the events come at a time when the country's signage market is projected to reach $492 million by 2027, driven by increased adoption in the retail, hospitality, transport, healthcare and corporate sectors. At the same time, the paper and paperboard packaging market is estimated to hit $2.84 billion by 2029.
