Baby bottle prices don’t match quality, consumer group says

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Baby bottle prices don’t match quality, consumer group says

Korean-made baby bottles are of higher quality than their more expensive imported rivals, consumer rights group Green Consumer Network said yesterday.

The organization, in association with the Fair Trade Commission, surveyed 130 parents who tested 23 different models that are currently sold in Korea. Results showed higher scores for cheaper products.

“Many parents think that more expensive imported baby bottles exceed in quality compared to local products,” said Lee Joo-hong, managing director of Green Consumer Network.

“The situation is getting worse because parents have no way to get information on the products’ quality, safety level or price.”

Three of the recommended products with top scores are priced under 20,000 won ($17.20), including Korean company Upis’ Chocolat, which is made with polyphenylsulfone, a highly durable material that is frequently used for airplane parts and medical equipment.

Of the five most frequently used materials for baby bottles, the consumer group gave a better score to ones made with polyphenylsulfone and polypropylene. While polypropylene products are cheaper than those of polyphenylsulfone, the former scratches more easily.

The group also warned parents that baby bottles made with polycarbonate should not be boiled in hot water for sterilization.

“When it has scratches on the surface it can create environmental hormone bisphenol A and propagate various germs,” said the consumer rights group in its report.

“And it is better to frequently change the baby bottle every three to six months.”

The most expensive bottle at 40,000 won is imported from Japan. The product only received three stars in the report.

By Lee Sun-min [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]
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