We've been there for your big moments. You've been there for ours.

Consumers Union was chartered on February 6, 1936, at a time when consumers had very few options to gauge the value, quality, or authenticity of goods and services. It was an era of unfettered advertising claims, rapid technological progress, and patchwork regulations.

Since our inception, CR has remained true to its mission, testing and reviewing countless products to make sure they’re safe and worth your money. Through our advocacy, we’ve helped people save billions. And we’ve influenced some of the most critical issues of the marketplace: the dangers of smoking cigarettes and eating toxic foods, predatory practices of credit card companies, safety risks in cars, and more.

In this era of momentous change and uncertainty, there has never been a more important time for consumers to get answers they don't have to question.

Highlighting Our Impact on Public Health and Food Safety

1964

CR Warns About the Public Health Threat of Cigarettes

This culminated in the 1963 publishing of The Consumers Union Report on Smoking and the Public Interest, used by the Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health in drafting their 1964 landmark report.

1999

Exposing the Dangers of Pesticides

In a first-of-its-kind study, CR analyzed pesticide levels in 27,000 fruit and vegetable samples, finding many were too high. This led to the ban of methyl parathion on food crops commonly consumed by children.

2023

Banning Toxic Food Chemicals

CR co-sponsored a California bill to ban four toxic food chemicals, including Red Dye No. 3. It was signed into law in September 2023 and the ban goes into effect in 2027.

2024

Removing Lunchables From School Lunch Menus

The move came after tests conducted by CR found that Lunchables and similar lunch kits contained relatively high levels of sodium, lead, and cadmium.

Please check back throughout the year as we celebrate other important milestones in our history, add new content, and more.