Germany pulls detergent over neo-Nazi code

A laundry detergent featuring an image of a large number 88, a neo-Nazi code, on a white soccer jersey has sparked anger in Germany.

Detergent manufacturer Procter and 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 AH or Adolf Hitler.

Procter and Gamble acknowledged on 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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