Welcome to CRIS
The Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University (CRIS) is one of the few organizations in the world willing to tacklethe hard questions about ingredient safety in our everyday products.
Protein – Overview
From protein powders and high-protein snacks to the latest “protein maxxing” trend, protein is having a moment. But what actually is protein? Do different protein sources matter? And do we really…
Latest News
2026 Science Symposium: The Changing Landscape of Food Colors–Science, Safety, and Innovation
Join CRIS at our 2026 annual meeting and Science Symposium. This year's Science Symposium will focus on the future of natural food colors and colorants. Experts will share insights into emerging innovations, including precision fermentation, alongside conversations on regulations, safety, and…
Special Edition – Infant Formula Safety
The FDA tested more than 300 infant formula products for heavy metals, PFAS, pesticides, and other contaminants. What does it mean for safety? In this post, we explore the safety of infant formula.
But the most important takeaway from the report is…
Precision Fermentation – Food Dye
Food dyes and colorants are found in many of our favorite foods and beverages, and there’s growing interest in shifting from artificial to natural options. Precision fermentation offers a new way to produce these same color molecules using microorganisms. In this…
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Current Research
New Research – Human-based Model of Developmental Immunotoxicology
A new study from the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety (CRIS) in partnership with Corewell Health shows that a lab model made from human cells can accurately reflect how lead exposure during pregnancy affects a baby’s developing immune system. The…
New Review – Seafood & Microplastics Safety
Microplastics have become a familiar part of conversations about pollution, plastics, and health. In recent years, many headlines have warned that eating seafood could expose us to plastic particles, which has led to some people’s increased concern about the safety of…