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
Southwest, Frontier chronically delayed flights, DOT says
DOT penalizes JetBlue for chronic flight delays
Updates
Stanley cups: 2.6 million travel mugs recalled after dozens of burn injuries
No-hassle refunds for canceled and delayed flights takes effect
McDonald’s E. Coli outbreak expands; 104 sick, 1 dead in 14 states
Featured Resources
Avoiding coal in your stocking through holiday scams
Trouble in Toyland 2024: Unsafe toys that slip through border
Airline travel tips for the holidays
Ringing in Our Fears 2024
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
Want to sound off about mortgage closing costs?
Fees related to home mortgages increased by more than 36% from 2021 to 2023. The CFPB wants to know why.
Bike helmets recalled: 140,000 and counting don’t meet safety standards; 14 separate recalls
We may not realize a helmet won’t do its job until it’s too late – after someone has suffered a head injury
New airline travel protections for consumers: refunds, transparent fees and more
New rules would also ban family-seating fees, make vouchers valid for 5 years, increase fines for airlines
RELEASE: Airlines to disclose fees up front, give automatic refunds for cancellations, delays
The White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Wednesday announced wide-sweeping consumer protection rules targeting aspects of air travel that have infuriated travelers for years.
Apple AirPods are designed to die: Here’s what you should know
AirPods are nearly impossible to repair and their batteries are short-lived. Apple should design them to last.
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG