Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. With research and education, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
- FDA deadline to ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners looms: Why it must act FDA deadline to ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners looms: Why it must act JR Culpepper December 17, 2025 In less than two weeks, the Food and Drug Administration will blow past its self-imposed deadline to finally ban formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical, from hair straighteners.The administration shows no sign of progress, despite the ban being in the works for years. That’s despite clear scientific evidence showing use of the toxic substance in hair straighteners threatens users with alarming exposure to the chemical’s harms.In fact, Trump officials are signaling the exact opposite of concern about formaldehyde. The Environmental Protection Agency released a draft…
- Congress’ scrutiny of toxic 'forever chemicals' cleanup liability puts public health at risk Congress’ scrutiny of toxic 'forever chemicals' cleanup liability puts public health at risk JR Culpepper December 16, 2025 As the Trump administration rolls back environmental and public health safeguards, Congress may exempt some industries from cleaning up toxic “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, pollution. The House Energy and Commerce Committee's environment panel will hold a December 18 hearing to address what GOP leaders call “concerns” about liability for PFAS contamination. The panel will review the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to classify PFOA and PFOS – two of the most hazardous PFAS – as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA. A…
- MAAHA: EWG’s ‘Make America Actually Healthy Again’ agenda for EPA Administrator Zeldin MAAHA: EWG’s ‘Make America Actually Healthy Again’ agenda for EPA Administrator Zeldin Anthony Lacey December 16, 2025 After a string of disastrous decisions that will harm Americans, the Trump Environmental Protection Agency should consider dropping “Protection” from its name. Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the agency is failing people, putting polluters’ profits ahead of public health.EWG has a plan to change that.We’re proposing a nine-point “Make America Actually Healthy Again,” or MAAHA, agenda for Zeldin. From banning toxic pesticides to taking steps to tackle the harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, our blueprint is rational, achievable and health-protective.And the plan doesn’t…
- Trump EPA floats ‘safer’ formaldehyde exposure, undermining public health and MAHA goalsTrump EPA floats ‘safer’ formaldehyde exposure, undermining public health and MAHA goals Ketura Persellin December 12, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is again putting public health at risk: almost doubling the amount of formaldehyde, the cancer-causing chemical, it considers safe to inhale.It’s the latest in a string of EPA actions that clash with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again,” or MAHA, movement. Instead of pursuing MAHA’s goal of tackling health harms from toxic chemicals, the agency is opening the door to more exposure.The EPA’s revised assessment of formaldehyde’s risks, released last week, would overturn a Biden EPA finding that…
- FDA proposes approval of long-sought sunscreen ingredient bemotrizinolFDA proposes approval of long-sought sunscreen ingredient bemotrizinol Monica Amarelo December 11, 2025 WASHINGTON – A milestone was reached today that could finally bring U.S. consumers access to the type of modern, more effective sun protection used abroad for decades: The Food and Drug Administration is proposing classifying bemotrizinol as an active ingredient in over-the-counter sunscreens. The move is part of the agency’s renewed effort to modernize the outdated sunscreen marketplace and encourage innovation. According to the FDA review, bemotrizinol provides strong broad-spectrum protection, safeguarding consumers against both ultraviolet A and B, or UVA and UVB, rays. UVA radiation can…
- Does your laundry shed microplastics?Does your laundry shed microplastics? JR Culpepper December 11, 2025 Tiny bits of plastic are found nearly everywhere, from the summit of Mount Everest to the ocean floor. Are some of them coming from your washer and dryer? Microplastics are the microscopic pieces of plastic that have spread throughout the world, contaminating plants, animals and even the human body, detected in blood, lungs and placental tissue.Scientists are only beginning to understand the health implications, but recent research prompts concerns. Last year, a study suggested the presence of microplastics may increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems among people with…
- EWG statement on USDA announcing regenerative agriculture initiativeEWG statement on USDA announcing regenerative agriculture initiative Anthony Lacey December 10, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Department of Agriculture today announced an initiative, the Regenerative Pilot Program, that will prioritize certain regenerative agriculture practices, including cover crops, in national conservation programs.The following is a statement from Anne Schechinger, the Environmental Working Group’s midwest director:Prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices like cover crops and encouraging farmers to develop whole farm plans, as announced today, are important steps in the right direction to improving farm resilience. We hope the administration will provide more funding to meet the growing backlog of farmer demand for the most effective…
- Bridge to nowhere: Trump bailout to again flow to the largest, wealthiest farms, leaving struggling farmers behindBridge to nowhere: Trump bailout to again flow to the largest, wealthiest farms, leaving struggling farmers behind Anthony Lacey December 8, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today the Trump administration announced yet another multibillion-dollar round of trade-war-related bailouts for the agricultural industry.The $12 billion the administration is set to dole out will likely once again flow to the largest and wealthiest farm operations in the country. The payments announced today are being dubbed a “bridge payment” as they continue to finalize plans for further rounds of payments.New rules allowing increased payment limits and loopholes created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,…
- Congress opens door to more ‘forever chemicals’ contamination at military basesCongress opens door to more ‘forever chemicals’ contamination at military bases JR Culpepper December 8, 2025 WASHINGTON – The House today released an update to the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for fiscal year 2026 that could result in more contamination by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS at defense sites.More pollution would increase long-term cleanup costs and undermine years of investment in safer alternatives to the toxic chemicals. The bill would cause these problems by allowing the Department of Defense to return to purchasing and using firefighting foams made with toxic PFAS.But the same bill calls on the Pentagon to…
- Ditching older furniture can cut your exposure to some harmful flame retardantsDitching older furniture can cut your exposure to some harmful flame retardants Anthony Lacey December 5, 2025 Foam-containing furniture sitting in your home for years can be a hidden source of harmful flame retardant exposure. Removing these old sofas and chairs can lower the amount of one type of flame retardant in your body, finds a newly published study by EWG and others.Levels of the flame retardant class of chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, decreased two to four times faster in study participants who removed the furniture than in those who didn’t. The study, led by the California Department…
- EWG to Lee Zeldin: PFAS pesticides are bad news, not ‘fake news’EWG to Lee Zeldin: PFAS pesticides are bad news, not ‘fake news’ JR Culpepper December 2, 2025 Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin claims “fake news” to reports spotlighting the agency’s approval of new pesticides made with the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.The truth is the EPA’s approval of PFAS pesticides is bad news, especially for the health and well-being of American farmers and consumers. EWG revealed in a recent report that California agricultural fields are sprayed with an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides per year. This widespread use could be contaminating soil, water and produce sold throughout…
- Trump administration backs Bayer in Supreme Court fight, putting corporate interests over Roundup victimsTrump administration backs Bayer in Supreme Court fight, putting corporate interests over Roundup victims Anthony Lacey December 2, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has joined Bayer’s effort before the Supreme Court to limit legal claims from individuals, including farmers, who allege the company’s flagship product, Roundup, caused cancer. By taking this position, the administration is siding with a major chemical company to deny thousands of affected families their day in court.The following is a statement from Environmental Working Group President and co-Founder Ken Cook:It’s outrageous – though sadly predictable – that the Trump administration has chosen to side with Bayer over…
- New research further highlights the harms of ultra-processed foodNew research further highlights the harms of ultra-processed food Anthony Lacey November 25, 2025 Four new research papers are calling attention to the rising health risks of ultra-processed foods, or UPF. Together they paint a picture of a food landscape flooded with UPF, flagging an urgent need for a more powerful policy response.Three of the papers were published as a series in the Lancet, a leading international medical journal, by a group of more than 40 prominent health experts and pioneers in the field. They conclude that UPF are a leading contributor to chronic disease.The widespread sale and consumption of UPF creates large…
- FDA withdraws rule on tests for cancer-causing asbestos in talc-based cosmeticsFDA withdraws rule on tests for cancer-causing asbestos in talc-based cosmetics Anthony Lacey November 25, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration today abruptly said it is withdrawing its proposed rule to establish approved test methods for detecting and identifying cancer-causing asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 required the FDA to develop the rule. The Trump administration’s decision to scrap the regulation will be published in the November 28 Federal Register. Asbestos is a deadly human carcinogen for which there is no safe level of exposure. Repeated contamination of talc-based products has raised serious public health concerns.The following…
- California violated state law when it gutted rooftop solar program, EWG claims in legal briefCalifornia violated state law when it gutted rooftop solar program, EWG claims in legal brief Anthony Lacey November 23, 2025 SAN FRANCISCO – California utility regulators violated state law by approving policy changes pushed by monopoly utilities that severely throttled a once-thriving rooftop solar market, the Environmental Working Group and its allies claim in a new legal filing.The November 21 filing, in the California Court of Appeal, makes the case for how the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, “failed to proceed in a manner required by law” in approving the policy changes. EWG filed the brief along with the Center…
- EWG statement on Lancet papers calling for stricter regulation of ultraprocessed foodEWG statement on Lancet papers calling for stricter regulation of ultraprocessed food Iris Myers November 19, 2025 WASHINGTON – A new series of review papers are calling for government policies to reduce the consumption of ultraprocessed foods, or UPF, which is driving increases in chronic diseases and obesity.The three papers, published in the Lancet, underscore the mounting evidence that UPF, which make up over half of the calories consumed daily in the U.S., pose long-term risks to human health. These studies link high UPF consumption to diseases across multiple organ systems. The authors call for the federal government to adopt policies to combat this…
- Updated EWG database finds over $31B spent on U.S. farm conservation programsUpdated EWG database finds over $31B spent on U.S. farm conservation programs Anthony Lacey November 19, 2025 MINNEAPOLIS – Between 2017 and 2024, U.S. taxpayers funded over $31 billion in federal conservation program assistance for farmers and landowners, according to the Environmental Working Group’s newly updated Conservation Database. The money paid for efforts to protect the environment, climate and public health.The database allows viewers to see where billions of dollars in Agriculture Department conservation funding have gone. The data, broken down by county for most programs, show the funding has helped farmers across the country adopt conservation practices. But too often,…
- Apples to apples: Organic varieties can be an affordable way to reduce pesticide exposureApples to apples: Organic varieties can be an affordable way to reduce pesticide exposure Anthony Lacey November 18, 2025 Sydney Evans, MPH Anthony Lacey November 18, 2025 With colder weather and Thanksgiving looming, this is a great time to make delicious warm apple pie, crisp and more. The only question is what kind of apples to use. New EWG research may provide answers – it shows that organic apples, long seen as a splurge, can sometimes cost about the same as non-organic varieties that may have pesticide residue.As food prices soar and families look to protect their pocketbooks, that’s welcome news.It’s…
- Holiday helper: EWG Verified® gift ideasHoliday helper: EWG Verified® gift ideas JR Culpepper November 17, 2025 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } With the holiday season around the corner, you may already be shopping for presents. This year, we’re sharing holiday cheer with gift ideas featuring EWG Verified® products. EWG Verified products have been reviewed by our scientists and meet our strictest standards for safety and ingredient transparency. These moisturizing products, soaps, hand sanitizers and lip products are all under $20, and their small size could make a perfect addition to stockings. Dr. Bronner's All One Hemp Pure Castile Soap, Peppermint PURCHASE ON AMAZON Everyone hand…
- Tyson Foods agrees to stop making ‘net-zero’ and ‘climate-smart beef’ claimsTyson Foods agrees to stop making ‘net-zero’ and ‘climate-smart beef’ claims JR Culpepper November 14, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group has reached a settlement in its lawsuit alleging that Tyson Foods’ promises to reach “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and sell “climate-smart” beef were not backed by sufficient actions to make those goals credible.Under the settlement, Tyson will refrain from making these environmental claims for five years and cannot introduce new related claims unless they are supported by expert analysis and verified facts. The settlement was filed today in D.C. Superior Court.It follows a separate settlement reached on November…
- Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 43Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 43 JR Culpepper November 12, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Lindsay Dahl about how to regulate chemicals, protect public health and decide product safety.Dahl has worked for more than two decades in the private and public sector. She’s the author of “Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals,” that discusses why environmental health has always been a bipartisan issue, despite today's polarized politics. She emphasizes the importance of holding all elected officials accountable, regardless of party, on…
- Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 44Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 44 JR Culpepper November 7, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Matt Randolph, aka Mr. Global. Randolph has more than 33 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including his work as a Shell expert and as co-founder of Sentinel Energy. As Mr. Global, he’s an internet educator using TikTok and YouTube to combat political lies about energy policy.Although Randolph is an oil industry veteran, he actively promotes renewable energy and believes in climate change, while warning about the…
- Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 43Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 43 JR Culpepper November 7, 2025 In this episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook speaks with Brian Deer, an investigative journalist known for exposing the 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield that falsely linked the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine to autism. Cook and Deer’s conversation focuses on the investigation and impact of the study’s exposé, as well as the evidence he unearthed. They discuss the persistence of vaccine misinformation, even after the study was retracted, and its longevity under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.…
- EWG statement on Sen. Marshall’s Better Food Disclosure ActEWG statement on Sen. Marshall’s Better Food Disclosure Act Iris Myers November 7, 2025 WASHINGTON – Yesterday Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced a bill that would, if enacted, fall short of what is needed to close the regulatory gap that allows food ingredients onto the market that have not been sufficiently reviewed. The “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, exemption allows food and chemical companies, rather than the Food and Drug Administration, to decide whether a food chemical is safe. Congress created the GRAS exemption to apply to common food ingredients with widespread recognition of safety, such as vinegar, flour, and spices. But…
- EWG finds California crop fields showered with 2.5M pounds of PFAS pesticidesEWG finds California crop fields showered with 2.5M pounds of PFAS pesticides Anthony Lacey November 6, 2025 WASHINGTON – Every year, an average of 2.5 million pounds of pesticides containing the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are sprayed on California crop fields, according to a new analysis and interactive map from the Environmental Working Group.From 2018 through 2023, nearly 15 million pounds of PFAS pesticides were applied statewide, EWG found, based on a review of state Department of Pesticide Regulation data. Over the six year period, Fresno County used the most, 2.1 million pounds, then Kern with 1.6 million pounds, and…
- Rooftop solar lawsuit sets historic precedent holding California utility regulators accountableRooftop solar lawsuit sets historic precedent holding California utility regulators accountable Anthony Lacey November 6, 2025 For decades, California courts gave the policy decisions of state utility regulators unparalleled deference. But those choices now face strict judicial oversight, thanks to a ruling in a lawsuit over the future of net energy metering that returns to court this month.The lawsuit challenges whether the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, broke the law in 2022 with a decision that damaged the state’s once-thriving rooftop solar program. In upcoming briefs to the California Courts of Appeal, EWG, Protect Our Communities Foundation and Center for Biological…
- Advocates hold 'Stop the Stamp!' event calling on CPUC to halt latest PG&E rate hikeAdvocates hold 'Stop the Stamp!' event calling on CPUC to halt latest PG&E rate hike Anthony Lacey November 5, 2025 ***MEDIA ADVISORY***For planning purposesFRESNO, Calif. – Environmental and consumer advocates will gather in Fresno on November 7 to urge the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, to reject Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s latest plan to hike rates yet again. The press event will take place immediately before the CPUC’s public hearing on PG&E’s 2027 General Rate Case — a proposal that would pile even higher costs onto households struggling to pay some of the highest electric bills in the country.Speakers…
- EWG comments on the FDA’s ultra-processed foods request for informationEWG comments on the FDA’s ultra-processed foods request for information Iris Myers October 30, 2025 Attached are EWG’s comments submitted in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s request for information to be used to develop a uniform definition of ultra-processed food. File Download Document ewg-public-comment-upf-rfi-6.pdf October 30, 2025
- EWG comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency July 2025 announcement regarding perchloroethylene regulation under the Toxic Substances Control ActEWG comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency July 2025 announcement regarding perchloroethylene regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act rcoleman October 29, 2025 Attached are EWG's submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on their July 2025 announcement regarding perchloroethylene regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. File Download Document ewg-comments-u.s-epa-perc-august-2025.pdf Areas of Focus Toxic Chemicals Authors David Andrews, Ph.D. Olga Naidenko, Ph.D. August 7, 2025
- Bipartisan group of 157 state legislators urges Sen. Marshall to protect states’ ability to regulate toxic food chemicalsBipartisan group of 157 state legislators urges Sen. Marshall to protect states’ ability to regulate toxic food chemicals Anthony Lacey October 27, 2025 WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of more than 150 state lawmakers throughout the country is today urging Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to preserve the ability of states to protect consumers from toxic food chemicals.In a letter to the senator, the legislators emphasize states’ long history of public safety and health protections, including food safety laws. They emphasize the risks of any effort by Congress to preempt, or block, state action on regulating harmful food chemicals. This would undermine…
- Bang for your buck: Moisturizers for less than $20Bang for your buck: Moisturizers for less than $20 JR Culpepper October 24, 2025 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } Winter air doesn’t just chill you – it can strip your skin of essential moisture. Skin gets drier during colder months, so you may want to level up your moisturizing routine in response.Cold, dry air pulls moisture from your skin barrier, causing dryness, cracking, and irritation. Indoor heating systems and long, hot showers can also strip away natural oils that make up the skin barrier and disrupt your skin’s natural ability to stay hydrated. Moisturizers can help. But shoppers may not know some…
- Over 80 groups urge Congress to oppose legislation blocking state food safety lawsOver 80 groups urge Congress to oppose legislation blocking state food safety laws Anthony Lacey October 23, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today a diverse coalition of 84 organizations called on House and Senate lawmakers to oppose any legislative efforts that would block state laws protecting consumers from toxic chemicals in food.The coalition includes the Environmental Working Group and many other public health and environmental groups. The letter they sent today says state laws are often the first line of defense for consumers facing emerging chemical-safety threats in the food supply, especially since the Food and Drug Administration has failed to act. It…
- Halloween horror led to stricter food safety law, but more progress is neededHalloween horror led to stricter food safety law, but more progress is needed Anthony Lacey October 23, 2025 In the fall of 1950, a Halloween nightmare unfolded. Something in candy was making kids sick with severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps.The event was a wake-up call for the Food and Drug Administration, launching it on the path of more oversight of food chemicals. Today, 75 years later, food chemicals and dyes are back in the spotlight. Some members of Congress may soon introduce a bill that could repeal state laws that protect people from toxic food chemicals. The legislation would also likely block states…
- Big Food launches misleading ‘transparency’ front group to block state food safety lawsBig Food launches misleading ‘transparency’ front group to block state food safety laws Anthony Lacey October 22, 2025 WASHINGTON — A new food and beverage industry front group launched this week and despite its name, it’s anything but transparent.The organization calls itself Americans for Ingredient Transparency, or AFIT. Some of the nation’s biggest food and beverage corporations are bankrolling the group, including General Mills, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. AFIT claims to want a uniform national standard for ingredient safety and transparency “rooted in science.”But AFIT’s real mission is blocking state laws that require companies to disclose or remove harmful chemicals from…
- Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 42Transcript of EWG podcast 'Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 42 JR Culpepper October 21, 2025 In this episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Errol Schweizer, a former Whole Foods executive. Schweizer writes the Substack “The Checkout Grocery Update,” advocating for food system workers and demystifying food systems and regulatory frameworks.Cook and Schweizer discuss what drives grocery product prices, including the impact of major supermarket companies and wholesalers concentrating market share, among other factors.They also talk about how presidential actions have affected grocery prices. Examples include interest hikes under former President Joe Biden and the “Make…
- Re-Volt will restock California utility regulators’ worn-out rubber stamps for PG&E rate hikeRe-Volt will restock California utility regulators’ worn-out rubber stamps for PG&E rate hike Anthony Lacey October 21, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Energy accountability campaign Re-Volt announced today it will supply the California Public Utilities Commission’s members with new rubber stamps before they get ready to approve Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s latest utility bill rate hike.The five commissioners are notorious for green-lighting reckless rate increases and spending plans by PG&E and the state’s two other investor-owned power companies. Instead of acting as a needed check on utilities to protect ratepayers, the CPUC approves the companies’ plans with no pushback.“It’s clear the CPUC believes…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 42Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 42 JR Culpepper October 21, 2025 In this episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Lo Bosworth, author, influencer, and founder and CEO of Love Wellness, a women’s personal care brand that uses emerging microbiome research to explore gut, vaginal and hormonal connections in women’s bodies.Cook and Bosworth discuss the pervasiveness of endometriosis, a disease faced by 10% of women and girls. The disease causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus and can cause severe pelvic pain and fertility issues. Bosworth recounts her endometriosis diagnosis and the lack…
- Use of hair dye associated with uterine fibroids in Black women, study findsUse of hair dye associated with uterine fibroids in Black women, study finds Anthony Lacey October 20, 2025 Using hair dye may be linked to developing non-cancerous tumors in the uterus, particularly among Black women, a recent study suggests.By age 50, around 70% of women have at least one of these tumors, known as uterine fibroids. Most do not show symptoms, but the presence of fibroids may lead to health effects like worse or heavier periods, pelvic pain and fertility issues. These fibroids are diagnosed more often in Black women compared to white women.The study analyzed the potential association between hair dye use…
- Newsom’s veto of PFAS ban for cookware, other products puts millions of Californians at riskNewsom’s veto of PFAS ban for cookware, other products puts millions of Californians at risk Anthony Lacey October 13, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto of Senate Bill 682, which would have banned the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from consumer products, is a deeply disappointing setback for health and environmental protection in California, the Environmental Working Group says. By rejecting this commonsense legislation, the governor is siding with chemical industry interests over the safety of California families. And this veto will ultimately shift the costs of cleaning up PFAS contamination of tap water to consumers, rather than ending a source…
- Statement of Scott Faber during signing ceremony for AB 1264, banning ‘particularly harmful’ ultra-processed foodsStatement of Scott Faber during signing ceremony for AB 1264, banning ‘particularly harmful’ ultra-processed foods Ketura Persellin October 9, 2025 SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law to legally define ultra-processed food, or UPF, and phase out the most harmful UPF from public school meals.Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), received overwhelming bipartisan support from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. The bill was sponsored by the Environmental Working Group.Ultra-processed food and drinks are designed to be hyperpalatable, engineered to be addictive and marketed to be profitable for their makers – all at the cost of…
- Children at schools throughout the U.S. could lose local health protections from pesticidesChildren at schools throughout the U.S. could lose local health protections from pesticides Anthony Lacey October 7, 2025 Geoff Horsfield Al Rabine October 8, 2025 Thousands of U.S. schools are near farms where harmful pesticides may be sprayed, an EWG analysis finds. But some members of Congress want to block states and local governments’ right to warn parents and protect students from the health risks of pesticide spraying.They’re looking to use the upcoming “skinny” farm bill as a vehicle to end the long-standing ability of state and local officials to safeguard people from the worst risks of pesticide spraying. If they…
- California enacts landmark state law to protect schoolkids from harmful ultra-processed foodCalifornia enacts landmark state law to protect schoolkids from harmful ultra-processed food Iris Myers October 7, 2025 SACRAMENTO – In a historic victory for children’s health, Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a first-in-the-nation law to legally define ultra-processed food, or UPF and phase out the most harmful UPF from public school meals. Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), received overwhelming bipartisan support from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. “With Gov. Newsom’s signature, California has taken a historic step toward protecting our children from harmful ultra-processed foods and chemical additives,” said Gabriel.“While Washington, D.C., is paralyzed by inaction, California is once…
- EWG analysis finds farm emissions from fertilizing ‘continuous corn’ crops fueling climate crisisEWG analysis finds farm emissions from fertilizing ‘continuous corn’ crops fueling climate crisis Anthony Lacey October 3, 2025 MINNEAPOLIS – Fertilizing massive “continuous corn” crops across the Midwest is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, a new Environmental Working Group analysis shows. But proven conservative practices could dramatically cut farming’s contribution to climate change.The new report, focused on four Corn Belt states, draws extensively on cropland and climate data from the Agriculture Department. It highlights the outsize climate toll of continuous corn – when farmers grow corn on the same field year after year. Nearly 15 million acres in…
- Gov. Newsom signs nation’s first law to require tests of prenatal vitamins for heavy metalsGov. Newsom signs nation’s first law to require tests of prenatal vitamins for heavy metals JR Culpepper October 2, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Today Gov. Gavin Newsom took a major step toward protecting maternal and fetal health by requiring prenatal multivitamin manufacturers to test for and publicly disclose levels of potentially harmful heavy metals in their products. The new law comes amid growing alarm over the presence of the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in supplements intended for pregnant women.Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) introduced SB 646, which the Environmental Working Group co-sponsored. The new requirements take effect on…
- EWG Verified® sets a gold standard with new eczema product categoryEWG Verified® sets a gold standard with new eczema product category JR Culpepper September 30, 2025 WASHINGTON – As millions of Americans struggle to treat their eczema and decode product labels, the Environmental Working Group is offering a game-changing solution: a new EWG Verified® category that sets bold benchmarks for safety and transparency in over-the-counter, or OTC, eczema products.EWG Verified products have to meet EWG’s strictest standards for ingredient safety, health and full transparency. Four eczema products from HealthyBaby, Mustela and Hypothesis™ meet these standards. Their inclusion in this new EWG Verified category signals to consumers that these eczema products…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 41Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 41 JR Culpepper September 23, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Lisa Bronner, part of the family behind Dr. Bronner’s soap. She’s Dr. Bronner’s consumer educator and a longtime advocate for clean personal care products and regenerative, organic farming. She is also the author of “Soap and Soul: A Practical Guide to Minding Your Home, Your Body, and Your Spirit with Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps.” Bronner recounts the history of her family and her grandfather’s founding of the company, in 1948. She talks…
- Why an effective water filter matters for your homeWhy an effective water filter matters for your home JR Culpepper September 23, 2025 Using a home drinking water filter is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, from the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS to arsenic, lead and more. Tap water quality can vary quite widely in the U.S. depending on your location, the source of your drinking water and the size of the water system.Drinking water often contains a mixture of pollutants.EWG’s recent research and map shows that over 100 million people’s tap water in the U.S. contains hexavalent chromium, also called chromium-6, nitrate and arsenic. Exposure to these…
