Fooling consumers with false headlines and scary stories disillusions readers and undermines credibility. Twice this year, Consumer Reports has written about risks in the food we eat. One report concerned pesticide levels in some fruits and vegetables, a potential risk for small children. The other focused on the leaching of chemicals from certan plastics in some baby bottles and teethers. What information consumers need to have, and when and how they should have it, are issues that concern us all.
Some commentators rail against the extent to which risk information is reported in the media.
But consumers do have a right to this kind of information, accurately and responsibly presented. We don't see such reporting as scare-mongering. Advancing technology brings new benefits for consumers but also creates new concerns. Consumers rely on scientists and the government to measure and evaluate these risks and on the media to inform the public. Reporting this research gives consumers more control over which risks they allow in their lives and enables them to seek alternatives if they wish.