This year, Consumer Reports has covered a wide variety of food stories, from food safety issues (mostly based on research conducted in our labs) to expert tips for eating a healthier diet. In cased you missed them, here's a list of our top picks for 2015.
1. Another Reason to Cut Back on Soda
Following up on our research into caramel color, which may contain a potential carcinogen called 4-MEI, in foods and beverages, Consumer Reports' food safety experts published a study that shows that more than half of Americans drink soda in amounts that could expose them to enough 4-MEI to increase their cancer risk.
2. So Long, Trans Fat
Consumer Reports has voiced concern about the link between trans fat in food and heart disease for more than 20 years, so we were pleased when the Food and Drug Administration announced that food manufacturers will have to eliminate trans fat from their products.
3. Prevent Food Poisoning From Listeria Bacteria
The outbreak of illnesses and deaths from contamination of Blue Bell ice cream with Listeria monocytogenes raised awareness of this rare but dangerous bacteria. But ice cream wasn't the only food where listeria was a concern this year. Our food safety experts offered tips to help you protect yourself and your family.
4. America's Best and Worst Supermarkets
Clean eating and freshness were big dietary trends this year, and they were top of mind for the 62,000-plus Consumer Reports subscribers who participated in our annual supermarket survey.
5. Eat the Peach, Not the Pesticide
Our food safety experts analyzed 12 years of data from the Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Data Program and calculated the risk of pesticide exposure from eating 48 fresh non-organic fruits and vegetables grown in 14 different countries.
6. How Safe Is Your Shrimp?
Consumer Reports took an in-depth look at shrimp from a testing, tasting, and shopping viewpoint. We unearthed some worrisome findings about bacteria and other problems in our shrimp supply.
7. GMO Foods: What You Need to Know
The fight for GMO labeling heated up this year, and the FDA approved the sale of genetically modified salmon. This primer answers all your questions about GMOs. And for the latest developments on the GMO front, consult our GMO Guide.
8. How Safe Is Your Ground Beef?
Consumer Reports tested for the prevalence and types of bacteria in ground beef and found that the way cattle are raised influences both measures.
9. Food Trends That Aren't Always Healthy
The truth about ancient grains, high-protein diets, and all-day snacking.
10. Healthy Eating Made Easier
Five research-proven ways to eat smarter without a lot of extra effort.
