CRIS In Review
Norbert Kaminski, Ph.D.
Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology
Food and Consumer Product Ingredient Safety Endowed Chair
Director, Center for Research on Ingredient Safety
Director, Institute for Integrative Toxicology
News
CRIS Digital Impact Update
Next week, we’re releasing the CRIS Report, a comprehensive overview of research, partnerships, media engagement, and public impact. You'll see how our efforts in ingredient safety, risk assessment, and science communication are connecting with new audiences and supporting evidence-based decision making.
Today,…
In the news – Bemotrizinol (BEMT)
A sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol (often shortened to BEMT) has been used for years in other parts of the world, but until now, it hasn’t been available in U.S. sunscreen products. That may be changing.
On December 11, 2025, the U.S. Food…
In the news – Talc
The FDA recently updated its approach to testing talc-containing products. In this post, we look at the safety of talc and the changes.
Top Takeaways:
Talc itself is not harmful, but contamination with asbestos is possible.
For consumers, risk remains very low…
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…
Understanding Risk Assessment Approaches
Ever wonder how regulators decide if an ingredient is safe enough to be in your food? Let's explore the science and philosophy behind these critical decisions.
Top Takeaways:
Risk assessments are comprehensive scientific evaluations that determine whether ingredients are safe to use,
…
Real-time Science – Microplastic & Nanoplastic
Plastics are part of our everyday life; we use them to ensure the foods and products we use are safer, more sustainable, and more convenient. As we’ve incorporated plastics into our lives, new questions have been raised about what happens when…
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…
Everyday Toxicology – Metabolism
In this post, we look at metabolism to better understand how it’s used to determine ingredient safety.
Top Takeaways:
Metabolism is not about fat-burning or supplements. Metabolism in toxicology is about how the body processes and eliminates compounds.
Our bodies protect us…
In the news – Polyvinyl Alcohol
The weight of evidence: Why detergent-grade PVA is safe for people & the environment
Recently, we’ve seen folks in the go.msu.edu/cris-idea.