Safer, Healthier Food

Consumer Reports is helping to make sure that the food you eat is safe and healthy, and that you have the information you need to make the best food choices.

The food we eat every day should be:

1

Free from health risks due to contaminants, such as salmonella and heavy metals.

2

Grown, raised, and processed in ways that are safe, healthy, and transparent.

3

Clearly, accurately, and meaningfully labeled, so you know what you are eating.

4

Subject to clear rules and standards that are enforced by regulators looking out for our best interests.

The food we eat every day should be:

1

Free from health risks due to contaminants, such as salmonella and heavy metals.

2

Grown, raised, and processed in ways that are safe, healthy, and transparent.

3

Clearly, accurately, and meaningfully labeled, so you know what you are eating.

4

Subject to clear rules and standards that are enforced by regulators looking out for our best interests.

Don't Miss a Food Recall!

Sign up to get food recall notices and outbreak alerts via text message so you and your family can stay safe.

Don't Miss a Food Recall!

Sign up to get food recall notices and outbreak alerts via text message so you and your family can stay safe.

Food Safety & Sustainability News

Retrieving Content...

Get Involved

Sign a Petition

Stop Dangerous Antibiotic Overuse

You Test

Do you shop organic?

Share Your Story

Have you gotten sick in a recent food contamination outbreak?

Working for you

How Consumer Reports Made Food Safer and Healthier for Consumers

Consumer Reports has been working toward a better food system for more than 80 years. Here are some of the key milestones along the way.

1936

Milk Mayhem

In CR's first issue, we find bacteria in milk, proving that pasteurization did not guarantee safety.

1936

Milk Mayhem

In CR's first issue, we find bacteria in milk, proving that pasteurization did not guarantee safety.

1940

Poison Apples

CR warns readers that a new law allowing higher levels of lead and arsenic pesticide spray residue on apples is creating a serious health hazard.

1940

Poison Apples

CR warns readers that a new law allowing higher levels of lead and arsenic pesticide spray residue on apples is creating a serious health hazard.

1959

Nuclear Reaction

CR testing finds radioactive strontium-90 in milk. The report prompts the government to expand its monitoring of nuclear fallout and bolsters public support for the 1963 nuclear test-ban treaty.

1959

Nuclear Reaction

CR testing finds radioactive strontium-90 in milk. The report prompts the government to expand its monitoring of nuclear fallout and bolsters public support for the 1963 nuclear test-ban treaty.

1973

Filthy Food

In response to the release of previously secret data, CR blasts the FDA for permitting a "stomach-churning assortment of insect parts and larvae, fish cysts, mold, rot, rodent hair and excrement" in the nation's food supply.

1973

Filthy Food

In response to the release of previously secret data, CR blasts the FDA for permitting a "stomach-churning assortment of insect parts and larvae, fish cysts, mold, rot, rodent hair and excrement" in the nation's food supply.

1974

Dirty Water

CR's landmark three-part series—concluding that many community water supplies are contaminated with potential carcinogens, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals—helps spur the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act.

1974

Dirty Water

CR's landmark three-part series—concluding that many community water supplies are contaminated with potential carcinogens, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals—helps spur the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act.

1975

Fast-Food Revelation

CR cautions that almost all meals sold at burger, chicken, and seafood chains contain too many empty calories and lacked essential nutrients.

1975

Fast-Food Revelation

CR cautions that almost all meals sold at burger, chicken, and seafood chains contain too many empty calories and lacked essential nutrients.

1978

Crying Fowl

CR's expose of industrial chicken farming describes the animal's short, bleak life in a cramped conditions—and flags concern that antibiotics in animal feed could lead to bacterial resistance in humans.

1978

Crying Fowl

CR's expose of industrial chicken farming describes the animal's short, bleak life in a cramped conditions—and flags concern that antibiotics in animal feed could lead to bacterial resistance in humans.

1989

Bad Apples

CR tests find unacceptable levels of Alar in apples and apple juice—three years after processors promised to stop using the substance, which had been linked to cancer.

1989

Bad Apples

CR tests find unacceptable levels of Alar in apples and apple juice—three years after processors promised to stop using the substance, which had been linked to cancer.

1999

Pesticides in Produce

A CR analysis of pesticide levels in 27,000 fruit and vegetable samples finds that many pesticide levels are too high. One toxic pesticide highlighted—methyl parathion—is soon banned for use on many food crops.

1999

Pesticides in Produce

A CR analysis of pesticide levels in 27,000 fruit and vegetable samples finds that many pesticide levels are too high. One toxic pesticide highlighted—methyl parathion—is soon banned for use on many food crops.

2010

Muscle Mix

CR tests protein drinks and powders—and finds that many contain toxic heavy metals.

2010

Muscle Mix

CR tests protein drinks and powders—and finds that many contain toxic heavy metals.

Let's ensure better food choices for all consumers

Help support our critical work by becoming a monthly donor today.

Give $3