When CR first crash-tested car seats, 12 out of 15 were rated Not Acceptable. After CR published its findings, the government required manufacturers to certify that their seats would pass a similar test.

In a study of U.S. Department of Agriculture data, CR found pesticide levels in some fruits and vegetables were too high. Shortly after, one of the pesticides was banned for use on food crops commonly consumed by children.

CR was one of the first groups to test food packaging for BPA. After working to pass bans in several states, the FDA finally announced a federal ban on BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups (2012) and infant formula packaging (2013).

After years of CR’s advocating for standards to address the problem of blind zones behind cars and trucks, the Department of Transportation finally required backup cameras in all vehicles less than 10,000 pounds by 2018. 

CR’s evaluation of smart TVs using our Digital Standard found that millions of TVs can be controlled by hackers exploiting easy-to-find security flaws.

In the wake of repeated E.coli outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce, CR came out ahead of public officials in recommending people avoid all romaine lettuce. CR’s position compelled regulators, including the CDC, to issue strong warnings to consumers.