FDA finally bans Red No. 3 food dye, linked to cancer
Authorization to use in candy, desserts and other snacks is revoked after petition filed by PIRG and others
Consumer alerts
Get the information, tools and resources it takes to protect yourself in today’s ever-changing marketplace.
These days we all need to be smart consumers. We need access to the information and resources it takes to avoid the latest scams, stop identity thieves, spot rip offs and keep unsafe food and toxic products out of our shopping carts. PIRG’s consumer watchdog team does the research, publicizes issues through the media, produces consumer guides, and sends out consumer alerts so we all have the tools to make smart, safe, informed choices.
The Latest on Consumer alerts
PIRG’s 2024 highlights
Could cheap Amazon Haul deals be hiding hidden dangers?
Updates
New guide on storing important documents covered by Public News Service
Freezing your credit files online in 30 minutes
AG Kris Mayes & Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s Executive Director meet during Consumer Protection Week
Featured Resources
The best way to store important documents – before disaster hits
Tips to save energy and save money
How To Save Money When Purchasing A Used Electric Vehicle
How To Save Money Through The Weatherization Assistance Program
Did You Know?
In times of emergency, our researchers have found price surges of up to 166% for critical supplies like bottled water.
What We're Doing
Our guide provides tips for avoiding price-gouging and a how-to for reporting bad actors.
The Latest
Type
Consumer Protection Week in Arizona
As consumers, we have a lot of plates to keep spinning: Making sure our information is safe. Finding a better credit card. Sorting out our medical bills. Buying electronics that last. While data breaches, robocalls, and artificial intelligence pose risks, new technology and tools can help thwart threats. For National Consumer Protection Week, Teresa Murray, Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s Consumer Watchdog Director, is leading the charge to inform consumers about several of 2025’s most pressing issues.
STATEMENT: Junk fees ban to help consumers, businesses
Surprise fees cost us billions of dollars, tens of millions of hours every year
“What to know about surprise ambulance bills”
PIRG’s Patricia Kelmar was included in a great piece on Arizona’s Family (Channels 3 & 5) on surprise ambulance bills and what consumers need to know. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qucrnY6n300
Banning water beads would prevent more fatal injuries
Marketed towards kids, water beads are small colorful toys that grow in water. But they can cause serious harm to small children and even fatal injuries.
Food companies are failing to disclose allergens, putting people’s health at risk
In 2023, 154 foods were recalled because of unlabeled allergens. How can people protect their health and avoid foods that could trigger dangerous allergies?
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG