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Consumer Reports

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Clean Label Project study finds lead and heavy metals in 99% of top cat food brands

Clean Label Project study finds lead and heavy metals in 99% of top cat food brands

A new investigation by the nonprofit Clean Label Project tested 100 top-selling cat foods from 62 brands and found toxic contaminants in nearly all samples. Lead was detected in 99% of the products, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. The study also identified toxic plastic chemicals and the herbicide glyphosate across wet, dry, and freeze-dried varieties. Fish-based foods showed higher levels of mercury and cadmium, whereas chicken-based options had higher rates of lead and herbicides. Experts warn that chronic exposure to these substances may accumulate in cats over time, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the pet food industry maintains that current safety protocols ensure product safety.

New Study Reveals Pervasive Heavy Metals and Plastics in Top Cat Foods
health-and-science7 days ago

New Study Reveals Pervasive Heavy Metals and Plastics in Top Cat Foods

A new investigation by the Clean Label Project found that nearly all top-selling cat foods contain toxic contaminants, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and plastic chemicals. Lead was detected in 99% of samples, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. Fish-based foods showed significantly higher mercury levels, and dry food contained more lead than wet or air-dried options. Experts warn that chronic exposure may accumulate in cats, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the industry argues current safety protocols ensure product safety.

Puget Sound Energy seeks $1.5B rate hike, drawing fierce opposition from regulators and consumer groups
business10 days ago

Puget Sound Energy seeks $1.5B rate hike, drawing fierce opposition from regulators and consumer groups

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has requested a $1.5 billion rate increase over three years, which would raise typical electric bills by $612 annually by 2029. The utility seeks to boost its profit margin to 10.8% and invest in new gas and renewable infrastructure. Opponents, including the state Attorney General and Consumer Reports, argue the costs are excessive and that cleaner, cheaper alternatives exist. Public hearings are scheduled in late September and early October, with a final decision expected in January.

Samsung Z Fold8 Series Dominates European Tests and US Polls
technology13 days ago

Samsung Z Fold8 Series Dominates European Tests and US Polls

Samsung's new wide-format foldables are winning critical acclaim and consumer preference. The Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra topped independent tests in five European countries and the US, while a recent poll shows the Z Fold8 outperforming Apple's new iPhone Duo in popularity. The Z Fold8 Ultra offers the best specs, but the standard Z Fold8 is favored for its lighter weight and lower price, marking a shift away from traditional book-style foldables.

Seattle Council Passes First-in-Nation Ban on Algorithmic Grocery Pricing

Seattle Council Passes First-in-Nation Ban on Algorithmic Grocery Pricing

The Seattle City Council voted 7-2 on September 22 to pass the Fair Pricing and Transparency Act, making Seattle the first U.S. city to ban personalized grocery pricing. The ordinance prohibits large retailers from using personal data, such as browsing history or income levels, to set individual prices for essential goods. While the bill allows universal discounts for groups like seniors and veterans, it bans algorithmic price discrimination that could charge different shoppers different amounts for the same item. The legislation now awaits Mayor Katie Wilson's signature.

Target’s Figmint Becomes Consumer Reports’ Best Bang-for-Buck Nonstick Set
business1 month ago

Target’s Figmint Becomes Consumer Reports’ Best Bang-for-Buck Nonstick Set

Consumer Reports named the Figmint 12-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Coated Aluminum Cookware Set, a Target-exclusive line, as the top-rated nonstick cookware while costing about $180—much cheaper than Caraway ($445) and Calphalon ($378). The set earned top marks for even heating and effortless egg release, with good durability, quick heating, and cool-to-touch handles; it’s oven-safe to 450°F, works on gas/electric/induction, and contains no PTFE coatings. Target launched Figmint in 2023 as an affordable in-house brand, though the strongest individual frying pans still favor Caraway.

Toyota 4Runner Clinches CR’s Off-Road SUV Crown, Bronco and Wrangler Close Behind
automotive1 month ago

Toyota 4Runner Clinches CR’s Off-Road SUV Crown, Bronco and Wrangler Close Behind

Consumer Reports ranked three popular mainstream off-road SUVs—Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler—based on predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and road-test performance. The 2026 4Runner topped the list, aided by its strong predicted reliability and new powertrains (2.4L turbo or hybrid) despite a higher base price. The 2026 Bronco earned second for versatile engine options and strong daily usability, with a starting price around $40k. The 2026 Wrangler finished third, praised for off-road capability but hampered by an aging platform and reliability concerns, with starting prices near $38k. CR notes full scoring isn’t published publicly, but the ranking reflects overall quality across the evaluated criteria.

CR's Warning List: 5 Popular Home Security Cameras to Avoid
technology1 month ago

CR's Warning List: 5 Popular Home Security Cameras to Avoid

Consumer Reports’ testing flags several popular home security cameras as poor purchases due to security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, or weak performance. Notable entries CR disfavors include Arlo Essential Indoor Plug-in VMC3070, Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro, Wyze Cam Floodlight v2, Arlo Ultra 3rd Gen VMS5250, and Philips Secure Battery Camera, while suggesting alternatives such as TP-Link’s Tapo MagCam models that offer stronger security and local storage options.

CR-Approved Budget Tech: 8 Gadgets Under $100 That Deliver
technology1 month ago

CR-Approved Budget Tech: 8 Gadgets Under $100 That Deliver

Consumer Reports spotlights eight CR-Recommended gadgets under $100, including Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones, Cube GPS Tracker, Roku Ultra, Sony WF-C710N earbuds, Netgear Nighthawk AX4 router, JBL Tune 660NC headphones, Google TV Streamer, and Beats Studio Buds+, praising reliability and value while noting caveats like a required subscription for the tracker and limited codec support on some earbuds.

Apple Tops Laptop Reliability in New Consumer Reports Ranking
technology1 month ago

Apple Tops Laptop Reliability in New Consumer Reports Ranking

Consumer Reports’ latest laptop reliability study finds Apple to be the most reliable brand overall, with the 2026 12–13-inch MacBook Air, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and 15–16-inch MacBook Pro MX2X3LL/A leading their size categories. The LG Gram 17 Copilot+ PC tops the 17–18-inch segment for reliability and ergonomics, while Windows laptops from Asus and MSI also show strong reliability. The results suggest macOS isn’t the only dependable option for buyers.

CR Names the Best Password Managers to Safeguard Your Accounts
technology2 months ago

CR Names the Best Password Managers to Safeguard Your Accounts

Consumer Reports ranks top password managers, led by 1Password Families (tied with Dashlane Premium and Keeper Unlimited) and including Bitwarden Families/Free among its top picks; free built‑in options from Apple, Google and Samsung are available, while premium plans add features like shared vaults, VPNs, scam protection, and real-time security alerts across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Prices vary by plan and family size, roughly from about $1.65 to $6 per month.

IKEA 365+ Stainless Steel Container Tops Consumer Reports as Best Food Storage
business2 months ago

IKEA 365+ Stainless Steel Container Tops Consumer Reports as Best Food Storage

Consumer Reports crowned IKEA’s 34-ounce 365+ stainless steel food storage container as the best overall, beating Pyrex and other brands for seal quality, durability, and versatility (oven, fridge, freezer). Priced at about $8.99 total ($6.99 for the stainless base and $2 for the plastic lid), it features a leakproof polypropylene seal and dishwasher-safe lid; a bamboo lid variant exists but is not leakproof and nearly matches the price. The container has many positive reviews on IKEA’s site and Reddit, though some users dislike the bamboo lid.

CR’s Pick: 7 Best Foldable Phones for Every Budget
technology2 months ago

CR’s Pick: 7 Best Foldable Phones for Every Budget

Consumer Reports highlights seven foldables—Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Motorola Razr Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, Google Pixel Fold, Motorola Razr+, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE—as CR Recommended with 70+ scores, spanning both book-style and clamshell designs. The lineup emphasizes premium LTPO AMOLED displays, 120Hz refresh rates, strong cameras, and durable builds, while tradeoffs include high prices (notably the Pixel 10 Pro Fold), heavy or bulky frames, limited external-display functionality on some models, creases on unfolded screens, and longer charging times on certain devices. Overall, these options cover a range of budgets and preferences for foldable smartphones.

Smart Budget Tech: 8 Consumer Reports–Approved Gadgets Under $50
technology3 months ago

Smart Budget Tech: 8 Consumer Reports–Approved Gadgets Under $50

Consumer Reports spotlights eight affordable tech picks under $50 that earned CR Recommended status, spanning Anker and INIU portable chargers, Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming devices, Tribit StormBox Mini+ portable speaker, Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones, JBL Tune 660NC, and the Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker. The lineup emphasizes value for money with caveats such as occasional USB-C pop-out on the Anker charger, no Dolby Atmos on the Roku, bass-forward tuning on the JBL headphones, and subscription needs for the pet tracker. Overall, these are solid, budget-friendly options across charging, streaming, audio, and pet tech.