Behind the Scenes

We’re proud to share recent victories that are creating a safer and fairer marketplace for everyone. After years of advocacy by CR, the FDA is finally taking action on Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food coloring linked to health concerns. This long-awaited decision marks a significant step forward in protecting consumers—especially children—from harmful additives.

Now we’re calling on the FDA to go further and ban six more synthetic dyes—Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1 & 2, and Green 3—that are widely used in food and drinks but haven’t been reviewed for safety in decades. Recent studies link these chemicals to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues, especially in children. 

Join us in urging the FDA to act.

In another major win, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a new rule to remove medical bills from credit reports. CR has long fought for this reform because medical debt often results from billing errors or disputes, making it an unreliable indicator of creditworthiness.

CR played a major role in the push for this national rule: Our advocates testified at hearings, met with regulators, and mobilized people to contact officials. Our members shared stories about how their credit was ruined when their healthcare provider and insurer were fighting over whether a treatment was covered and the provider went ahead and reported the bill to collections. 

The new rule will ease the financial burden on millions of Americans and ensure fairer credit practices.

These victories highlight the power of our collective action. Thanks to your support, we will keep fighting to protect people’s rights and well-being.

Every day, Consumer Reports aims to answer people’s most pressing questions. Our new digital tool, Ask CR, offers real-time answers to consumer questions and highlights the broad expertise CR provides.

• Cars: 4 year old replacement for Prius V with cargo space? And great gas mileage? Top acceleration scores?
• TVs: Which 2024 TVs are best? 75”, under $3,000, sound not important. Please explain differences in OLED, LCD, 4K, 8K.
• Washing machines: What washing machine is best for delicate clothes? How do they compare with Miele? Can you wash a queen comforter in a Miele?
• Vacuums: Compare Shark vs Roomrock vs Roomba vacuum and sweep models. Does the Roomba j7+ sweep and mop? What is the best sweeping and mopping robotic vacuum?
• Data protection: What is a good anti-scammer program?

Members who have tried Ask CR are saying:

• “Great resource for finding best and reliable products.”
• “This is a much faster way to get to what I’m looking for.”
• “Exceeded my expectations. Keep it up. It’s the future.”

The questions Ask CR answers are grounded in the same trusted, unbiased data, research and guidance that CR has offered for decades. These insights drive CR’s continued efforts to adapt to the changing marketplace and ensure people have the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions. 

Check out Ask CR, now available to all-access and digital members.

Starting January 1, a landmark California law championed by CR requires baby food manufacturers to disclose the levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in their products.

CR’s prior investigation in 2018 uncovered concerning levels of these toxic substances in popular baby foods, sparking nationwide concern and calls for stronger regulations. CR’s most recent testing in 2023 revealed that while levels of heavy metals in baby food have decreased over the past five years, products containing rice and sweet potatoes continue to exhibit worrisome amounts of these substances. 

Under the new law, manufacturers must conduct regular testing and publicly disclose results. “California’s law is a game-changer,” said Brian Ronholm, CR’s director of food policy.  “It not only empowers parents with essential information but sets a strong precedent for other states and federal agencies to follow.”

Until broader regulations are enacted, CR remains committed to helping parents minimize their children’s exposure to heavy metals. Practical tips include offering a wide variety of foods, avoiding rice-based snacks, and selecting fruits and vegetables known for having lower heavy metal risks. See our findings, along with more advice from CR food safety experts.

March 15 marks World Consumer Rights Day, and this year’s theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” underscores the need for accessible, inclusive solutions that protect the planet.

Consumer Reports is committed to helping everyone make safer, more sustainable choices—both for the planet and for their wallets. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy use, extend the life of your products, or cut down on waste, CR has practical tips and resources.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to live more sustainably:

• Choose energy-efficient appliances and weatherproof your home.
• Use CR’s Repair or Replace tool to decide whether to repair or replace a broken item.
• Program your thermostat. If it’s an option for you, set your thermostat to automatically adjust the temp when you’re away or asleep.
• Opt for non-toxic cleaning supplies and cookware to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in your home.
• Cut food waste. Take home leftovers when you eat out, and use the fridge’s produce drawers to extend the life of fruits and vegetables.

See CR’s guide to sustainable living for more eco-friendly tips.

Thanks to your support, CR is driving systemic change to promote sustainability at the industry and policy levels. Sara Enright, Senior Director Safety and Sustainability at CR, said: “Our consumer-driven campaigns have already expanded right to repair legislation, driven corporate action and legislation against toxins in our food and water, and raised consumer awareness of the benefits (and challenges) of electric vehicles.” 

Together, we can build a more sustainable future by making intentional choices and driving impactful change at every level.

In 1914, Florence Parpart Layman changed food storage forever by inventing the electric refrigerator. Her design, which used electricity to circulate cold water through the refrigerator, transformed home kitchens and modern convenience.

In 1965, chemist Stephanie Kwolek developed Kevlar, a fiber five times stronger than steel that revolutionized brake pads and tires, bulletproof vests, and sports gear. When Kwolek was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1995, she was only the fourth woman of 113 members.  

Beyond her Hollywood fame, Hedy Lamarr was an inventor who co-developed a frequency-hopping communication system during World War II to allow the military to guide torpedoes undetected. That technology became the foundation for forms of wireless communication including WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth.

Today, women at Consumer Reports continue to shape the products and technology we rely on every day. Their testing and research help ensure appliances perform efficiently, vehicles meet high safety standards, and emerging technologies are secure.

Breann Chai, Project Leader at CR, tests refrigerators for efficiency and performance in our temperature-and humidity-controlled chambers. Watch her give a tour of our refrigerator lab. 

Emily Thomas, Associate Director of Auto Safety, has expanded vehicle safety research, including CR’s rear seat safety assessment to protect all passengers. See her give an inside look at CR’s car seat crash testing. 

Maria Rerecich, Senior Director of Product Testing, leads CR’s evaluations of consumer products, ensuring that smartphones, laptops, and home security systems meet our standards for performance, privacy, and security. 

The contributions of these women, past and present, make our daily lives safer and better. Let’s celebrate the women around us who make a positive impact every day.