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talc

In the news – Talc

December 1, 2025 - In The News Regulation Trending What's The Risk?

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…

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In the news – Polyvinyl Alcohol

September 30, 2025 - In The News Packaging Real-Time Science Science Vs. Sensation Trending

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.

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What’s the risk? Alcohol consumption

June 23, 2025 - Trending What's The Risk?

You’ve probably seen the headlines suggesting “go.msu.edu/cris-idea. Citations and further reading. World Health Organization. (2023, January 4). No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. WHO Regional Office for Europe.

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Exploring Gold-Standard Science

June 16, 2025 - Trending

In prior posts, we’ve discussed at a high level how to analyze a research study and how decisions are made by understanding the weight of evidence. In this post, we will look deeper to help identify key characteristics of a quality (i.e.,…

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Weight of Evidence

May 19, 2025 - Everyday Toxicology Ingredient Safety Risk Risk Perception Science Vs. Sensation Trending

If you’ve ever wondered how scientists decide whether an ingredient is safe to eat, use, or breathe in, especially when different studies say different things, you’re not alone. One term experts often use is “weight of evidence.” But what does that…

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What’s the risk? Synthetic vs natural chemical ingredients

May 5, 2025 - Chemophobia Ingredient Safety Risk Risk Perception Trending What's The Risk?

We see continued conversations about synthetic food ingredients, but what are they, and how do they differ from natural ones? In this post, we look at synthetic vs natural ingredients. Top Takeaways: Every ingredient is a chemical, even natural ones like water…

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GRAS Loophole?

April 7, 2025 - Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) In The News News Regulation Trending

Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services leadership has suggested that the GRAS process needs to be changed. In this post, we provide context to help you better understand what GRAS is and isn't. Top Takeaways: GRAS stands for Generally Recognized…

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Community Request – Diacetyl

March 31, 2025 - Community Request Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Ingredient Safety Trending

In this community request, we look at diacetyl, a compound that’s caused safety confusion. Top Takeaways: Diacetyl is safe for ingesting in food and beverages. Some vape and e-cigarette liquids contain diacetyl. You should avoid inhaling diacetyl in all forms. What is diacetyl? Diacetyl…

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Trending – Understanding health, wellness, and medicine

March 4, 2025 - 101 Series Dietary Supplements Science Vs. Sensation Trending

Wellness and medicine all aim to improve health—but only one is backed by science. Here’s what you need to know. Top Takeaways: Health is your current state, wellness is behavior-based, and medicine is evidence-based. Wellness can support health, but it’s not a…

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Trending – Prebiotic Soda

February 24, 2025 - Probiotics & Prebiotics Trending

Prebiotic sodas are gaining popularity as a health-conscious alternative to traditional soft drinks. In this post, we explore prebiotic sodas. Top Takeaways: Prebiotic sodas contain fiber and offer a lower-sugar alternative to traditional sodas. Prebiotics feed existing gut bacteria, while probiotics introduce…

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