Labeling Holds Product Makers Accountable

The Securities and Exchange Commission has been pushing for companies to submit filings written in "plain English." I wish there could be a similar effort for labels on household items like detergent and toothpaste.

Reporting financial data in a way we can all understand is supposed to keep publicly traded companies honest. Similarly, having to tell consumers more about the ingredients they use in products to control tartar or remove stains might influence the chemicals they use.

Companies that make household cleaners and detergents don't have to tell you what's in them. Makers of items like shampoo and body lotion list ingredients, but they don't seem to care that you need a chemist to make heads or tails of them. ...