Consumer Reports’ 2025 Impact Highlights Regulatory and Insurance Market Challenges

Consumer Reports’ 2025 impact report highlights significant advancements in consumer protection through extensive product testing, research, and advocacy efforts. A major investigation revealed elevated lead levels in over two-thirds of popular protein powders and shakes, prompting calls for the Food and Drug Administration to establish federal limits on heavy metals in dietary supplements. This effort underscores growing concerns over toxic substances in the food supply, relevant for product safety and regulatory scrutiny. In the homeowners insurance market, Consumer Reports launched a campaign advocating for a 'Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights' amid widespread premium increases and coverage challenges. The initiative aims to enhance transparency regarding rate changes and non-renewals and ensure equitable access to insurance, particularly for those in disaster-prone areas. This reflects a broader regulatory and market focus on algorithmic pricing practices and climate-related risk modeling impacting policyholders. Safety testing on toddler towers revealed substantial risks, with many models failing stability and entrapment assessments. The lack of mandatory safety standards for these products has led Consumer Reports to call for improved manufacturing practices and regulatory oversight to mitigate injury risks to children. Interim consumer guidance emphasizes careful product selection and supervision during use. The impact report also details broader consumer influence, including actions taken by members and tangible corporate responses, such as product removals and staffing changes triggered by Consumer Reports’ findings. The organization’s recognition by Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company highlights its role in promoting environmental sustainability and cost efficiency in the automotive sector. Collectively, these developments demonstrate the intersection of consumer advocacy, product safety, regulatory compliance, and insurance market fairness, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and action in these areas to benefit U.S. consumers and industry stakeholders alike.