Product review (2 stars): kinked and coiled before packaging
First of all, I would like to thank the people who responded to my question regarding the packaging of the hose that they purchased. The 12' hose that I purchased arrived in a sealed plastic bag marked "Whirlpool Corporation Factory Certified Parts." The hose had been folded in half (kinked, no bend radius) before being coiled, twist tied, and sealed in the bag. The kink created a soft spot in the middle of the hose. I bought the hose to replace two 6' hoses that were coupled in a location that would be problematic if a leak occurred, and since I did not have any information on the stress/strain characteristics of the hose material I was reluctant to use it. I talked to Whirlpool about the packaging of the hose and they referred me to Amazon for a replacement. Fortunately, the Amazon replacement process is straightforward and efficient. Another product reviewer here described a defective hose that leaked. I suppose that defects can slip past quality control, but kinking a hose in half before coiling it is not an accident and defies common sense.

Update:  I received the replacement hose and it is kinked just as the first one was. I did not open the bag and took the attached photo. Amazon is replacing it again. If the next one is kinked I will get a refund instead of a replacement.
Update: The second replacement was kinked in the bag, as the first replacement was. Amazon is giving me a refund. At this time, there are apparently 2 left in stock. I might try again later if the inventory turns over. While looking at other dishwasher hoses I came across a review for a hose with stainless steel braid that the reviewer was replacing because it leaked after they kinked it. This reinforced my decision not to gamble on a kinked hose.