Bittersafe®
The bitter warning directly on the button cell.
An ultra-thin, invisible protective film creates an extremely bitter taste as soon as the battery touches the tongue – without affecting battery performance or putting the child at risk.
Learn more
At a glance
- What it is: A transparent, extremely bitter coating on the battery surface.
- How it works: When the battery enters the mouth, an intense bitter taste occurs immediately, and the body usually reacts instinctively by spitting it out.
- What it’s good for: An additional layer of protection that sensibly complements child-resistant packaging and battery compartments.
- What it’s not: Bittersafe does not replace supervision or legally required safety measures.
Bittersafe® in everyday life
Whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or children’s room, small electronic devices have long been part of everyday life. Many of them use lithium button cells — for example, digital scales, thermometers, LED tea lights, toys with light effects, or key fobs with remote controls. These devices are often left lying around and can be easily reached by children.
The risk: The round, smooth battery looks harmless but can become very dangerous if swallowed. Lithium button cells have a higher voltage than, for example, alkaline button cells, and can therefore cause serious internal burns within a short time.
This is where Bittersafe® comes in. The invisible coating with an extremely bitter taste is designed to deter in the crucial moment. It creates an additional protective layer that sensibly complements other safety mechanisms and careful storage.
How Bittersafe® works
- An ultra-thin, transparent coating is applied to the surface of the battery.
- Even the smallest amount of moisture in the mouth immediately triggers the bitter taste.
- The unpleasant sensation usually causes the battery to be spat out right away.
- The battery’s performance remains unchanged. The coating is so thin that it does not affect functionality.
- The unpleasant taste is completely harmless to health.
Four simple safety tips for home
- Store safely: Never leave batteries lying around loose – always keep them out of reach of children.
- Check devices: Make sure the battery compartment is childproof (e.g. secured with screws). If not, seal it with tape.
- Dispose of used batteries: Even “empty” cells can be dangerous – collect them safely, tape the terminals, and take them to a collection point (e.g. a collection box at dm-drogerie markt).
- Educate: Explain to children that batteries are not toys and should never be put in the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the “Bittersafe” taste harmful to my child?
No, don’t worry.
The bitter coating contains a substance that has been used for many years in a wide variety of products — for example, in cleaning agents or nail polish to prevent thumb sucking. It is used only in tiny amounts and is completely harmless to health. The unpleasant taste simply ensures that children immediately spit the battery out again.
Do I need to see a doctor after contact with the “Bittersafe” taste?
No, normally not.
The taste is extremely bitter but completely harmless. The only important thing is: if a battery has actually been swallowed, or if there is any suspicion of it, a doctor must be consulted immediately (call 999 in the UK or 112 in Ireland, or go straight to the Accident & Emergency department). This is the only way to rule out serious injuries.
Does Bittersafe replace child-resistant battery compartments?
No. It is a complementary measure. Child-resistant battery compartments, safe storage, and parental supervision remain essential.
Does the coating affect battery performance?
No. The coating is so thin that voltage and function remain unchanged. This is continuously tested and verified through ongoing quality checks.
Is the coating visible?
No, it is almost invisible. The taste is only noticeable upon direct contact with the mouth.
On which batteries is Bittersafe available?
On Paradies lithium button cells CR2025 and CR2032, identifiable by the note “Child Safety Packaging with Bittersafe” on the packaging.
Emergency advice
If a child may have swallowed a battery:
- Call 999 (UK) or 112 (Ireland) immediately, or go straight to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
- Take the packaging or the battery with you (or take a photo of it).
- Do not give any food or drink.
