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Consumer Reports and Yuka test 40 popular U.S. Foods, find 1 in 4 exceed daily safety levels for additives. Joint investigation exposes a gap between what science now shows and what U.S. regulation still allows. June 9, 2026 | Food & Water Safety YONKERS and NEW YORK - A joint investigation by Consumer Reports and Yuka has measured the levels of eight controversial additives in 40 widely consumed packaged food products in the United States. The results show that one quarter of the products tested contained additive levels, in a single serving, that exceeded daily safety levels identified by U.S. or European public health agencies. When measured against broader levels of concern identified in peer-reviewed scientific research, nearly two-thirds, 25 of the 40 products, exceeded at least one reference level "Americans are eating products every day that contain additives at levels recognized as concerning by health authorities elsewhere in the world," said Julie Chapon, Co-Founder of Yuka. "Science has moved. U.S. regulation hasn't. That gap is what we measured." "People shouldn't have to navigate a food system where outdated standards leave families exposed to substances that science has raised new concerns about," said Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. "This investigation highlights the need for food safety oversight that reflects how Americans actually eat today, especially children, who are often the most exposed." What the tests found. Its investigation highlights products with concerning levels of five additives: Red 40, titanium dioxide, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). The products were tested by an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, an international reference standard for analytical reliability. Of the 13 products analyzed containing Red 40, five exceeded, in a single serving, the daily safety level for children identified by the California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Several studies indicate that chronic exposure to Red 40 may contribute to behavioral changes in children, including hyperactivity and attention disorders. A California law banning Red Dye 40 in food served in the state's schools based on the risks to children goes into effect on December 31st, 2027. Three of those products also surpassed the threshold identified for adults. 19 of the 21 products tested for acesulfame K, aspartame, and sucralose contained enough of at least one artificial sweetener in a single serving to exceed levels of concern associated with an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes. These levels of concern are based on findings from peer-reviewed studies that analyzed the dietary habits of more than 100,000 French adults over 12 years. These studies found that low levels of daily artificial sweetener consumption was associated with an increased likelihood of developing chronic diseases. In sugar-free sodas from Pepsi and Coca-Cola, drinking just one-sixth of a can was enough to cross the level for acesulfame-K or aspartame. Consumers Reports also tested four products containing titanium dioxide, a synthetic whitening agent that was banned as a food additive in the European Union in 2022 over concerns about genotoxicity. One product stood out dramatically: Hostess' Donettes Mini Powdered Donuts contained 261 milligrams of titanium dioxide in a single serving, representing more than 760 times the combined amount found in the three other products tested containing the additive. Many of the additives Consumers Reports flagged show up in products kids eat every day including cereals, flavored drinks, candies, and puddings. And because children weigh less, a single serving represents a much bigger share of their daily exposure than it does for an adult. A regulatory framework that hasn't kept up. The U.S. does set limits on some additives. But many were established decades ago, and have not been revisited since, even as new evidence of harm has emerged. The European Food Safety Authority is legally required to reevaluate the safety of all approved food additives, and has published reassessments for over 240 such substances since 2009 alone. The U.S. has no equivalent. And for 38 percent of the 50 most commonly used additives Yuka has flagged for health concerns, no quantitative U.S. enforceable limits exists at all. The biggest driver of this gap is the "Generally Recognized as Safe" pathway, or GRAS, which lets manufacturers introduce new substances into the food supply without independent FDA review and, in some cases, without notifying the agency at all. Nearly 99 percent of new substances added to U.S. food since the 2000s came in through GRAS, according to the Environmental Working Group. Manufacturers of several products highlighted in the investigation told Consumer Reports that their products comply with current FDA regulations. The FDA declined to comment on the investigation's specific findings but said it has launched a stronger post-market review process for chemicals and additives already on the market. Consumer Reports and Yuka are calling on people to join them in urging the FDA to strengthen oversight of food additives and update outdated safety standards. About Yuka Founded in 2017, Yuka is an entirely independent impact project. The app lets users scan the barcodes of food and cosmetic products to assess their health impact, with the aim of bringing more transparency to product composition and empowering consumers to make better choices for their health. Today, the app has over 85 million users worldwide, including 27 million in the United States. https://yuka.io/en/ Media contacts. James McQueen +1 (914) 378-2839

Consumer Reports welcomes Neil Chatterjee to Board of Directors. 90-year-old nonprofit organization positions itself for the future with appointment of nationally recognized energy and policy expert. May 13, 2026 | Organizational News Yonkers, NY - Consumer Reports (CR), the nonprofit research, testing and consumer advocacy organization, names Neil Chatterjee, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Palmetto and former commissioner and chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to its Board of Directors. Since 1936, CR has worked to give consumers the power to live safe, healthy, and affordable lives through better choices, higher standards, and stronger protections. Its work has had a profound influence: advancing auto technology to ensure the safety of people inside and outside vehicles; ensuring fair pricing practices for everyone; and eliminating toxins in the food Consumers Reports eat. "From the rapid expansion of AI to the increased cost of gas, grocery bills and utilities, people face momentous change and uncertainty," said Phil Radford, President and CEO of Consumer Reports. "Neil brings fresh perspective and experience that will help guide our work at a time when technology, markets, and policy are reshaping the essentials people rely on every day." "Consumer Reports has a long history of standing up for consumers at pivotal moments," said Chatterjee. "I look forward to advancing CR's mission to ensure that innovation, particularly in the energy sector, delivers real benefits for consumers when it comes to affordability, reliability, and choice." Chatterjee's term will run through October 2027. About Neil Chatterjee, Newly Appointed to Consumer Reports Board of Directors: Neil Chatterjee is the Chief Government Affairs Officer at Palmetto, and a former commissioner and chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). With deep ties in Washington, Neil has extensive experience across the energy landscape both domestically and internationally. He is respected for his ability to negotiate compromises and work with various stakeholders. In his time on the Hill and at FERC, Neil built a reputation as a bipartisan operator who builds alliances and cuts through red tape with an eye on always promoting innovation. His significant knowledge and experience are derived from operating at the highest levels of government and, as such, can provide clients with valuable insights and counsel when navigating the highly regulated energy industry. While at FERC, Neil championed several strategic initiatives, including streamlining and improving FERC's liquified natural gas application review and approval process, bolstering power grid reliability and resilience, and boosting renewable resources' ability to compete in regional power markets and for the reduction of carbon emissions. Neil is a policy reformer who broke down market barriers to entrance for new technologies, particularly for low-carbon technologies. He has advocated for harnessing technology to mitigate physical and cyber threats to critical energy infrastructure. Before this time at the Commission, Neil served as an advisor to Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who aided in the passage of major energy, highway, and agriculture legislation. He also has experience as a principal in government relations for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He began his career as a House Committee on Ways and Means staff member. In his role as Palmetto's first ever Chief Government Affairs Officer, Neil brings unparalleled policy expertise to forwarding the company's consumer energy platform model, with a bipartisan perspective on how energy policy can meet increasing energy demand while improving affordability and reliability energy outcomes for consumers. Neil received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University and his J.D. Doctorate from University of Cincinnati. Media contacts. Barrie Rosen +1 (914) 378-2090

Consumer Reports names Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand. Tuesday, 17 March, 2026 Vehicle safety is one of the most important factors for drivers when choosing a new car or SUV. In 2026, Mazda received a major recognition when Consumer Reports named Mazda the first-ever Safest New-Car Brand in its new Safety Verdict rankings. This new evaluation looks beyond traditional crash test scores to measure how well vehicles help drivers avoid accidents and protect passengers if a collision occurs. For Mazda drivers in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and South Jersey, this recognition highlights the brand's continued focus on safety, engineering, and driver confidence. What is Consumer report's Safety Verdict? Consumer Reports introduced a new safety evaluation called the Safety Verdict, which analyzes multiple aspects of vehicle safety rather than relying on a single test. The Safety Verdict looks at several key factors, including: * Crash test performance * Emergency braking capability * Handling and braking performance * Crash-avoidance technology * Ease of using safety systems and vehicle controls Vehicles that perform well across these areas help drivers avoid accidents in the first place while also protecting occupants during a crash. Mazda ranked at the top of this new evaluation, ahead of several other major automotive brands. Why Mazda vehicles performed so well. Consumer Reports highlighted several reasons why Mazda vehicles performed strongly in the Safety Verdict assessment. First, Mazda focuses heavily on predictable handling and responsive braking, which helps drivers maintain control during both everyday driving and emergency situations. Second, Mazda vehicles include many advanced safety technologies as standard equipment rather than optional upgrades, ensuring that drivers benefit from these systems regardless of trim level. Finally, Mazda designs its interiors and control layouts to be simple and intuitive, helping reduce driver distraction while operating the vehicle. These combined factors helped Mazda achieve the top ranking in Consumer Reports' new safety evaluation. Mazda safety technology. A key part of Mazda's safety approach is its i-ACTIVSENSE(R) suite of driver-assistance technologies. These systems use cameras and radar sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and assist the driver in avoiding potential hazards. Common i-ACTIVSENSE safety features include: * Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection * Blind Spot Monitoring * Rear Cross Traffic Alert * Lane Departure Warning * Adaptive Cruise Control These technologies work together to help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and respond quickly to changing road conditions. Mazda models recognized for safety. Many Mazda vehicles have also received strong safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Several Mazda models have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards, reflecting excellent crash protection and advanced safety features. Models recognized for strong safety performance include: These vehicles combine advanced safety technology with responsive handling and durable vehicle design. Why safety matters for Philadelphia drivers. Drivers around Philadelphia face a variety of road conditions every day, including busy highways, city traffic, and changing weather. Having a vehicle designed with strong safety systems can help drivers feel more confident when navigating: * Congested city streets * Highway traffic on I-95 and I-76 * Winter driving conditions * Weekend trips throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey Mazda's approach to safety focuses not only on protecting passengers during a collision but also on helping drivers avoid accidents altogether. Experience Mazda safety for yourself. Mazda's recognition as Consumer Reports' first-ever Safest New-Car Brand reflects the company's long-standing commitment to engineering vehicles that protect drivers, passengers, and everyone sharing the road. Drivers in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and South Jersey can explore Mazda's lineup of cars and SUVs to experience these advanced safety technologies firsthand.