Formed as an independent, nonprofit organization in 1936, Consumer Reports serves consumers through unbiased product testing and ratings, research, journalism, public education, and advocacy. We stand firmly behind the principle that consumer products and services must be safe, effective, reliable, and fairly priced. We insist that manufacturers, retailers, government agencies, and others be clear and honest. We advocate for truth and transparency wherever information is hidden or unclear. We push companies to quickly address and remedy issues with their products and services. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, we have relentlessly exposed landmark public health and safety issues and have strived to be a catalyst for marketplace changes. These issues have included increasing use of seat belts, reducing hospital-acquired infections, underscoring the dangers of cigarettes, spotlighting food- and water-safety issues, identifying vehicle-safety risks, advocating for consumer-finance protections and access to health care, and much more.