About Consumers Union
Consumers Union is an independent, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to creating a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all Americans. Founded in 1936, we have spent nearly nine decades working solely in the public interest — free from advertising, corporate funding, or commercial influence.
Our mission is straightforward yet powerful: to empower consumers with reliable information and to fight for policies that protect their health, safety, and financial well-being. We focus especially on the issues that affect people every day — health care, financial services, food safety, and product safety.
What We Do
Consumers Union investigates problems that put consumers at risk, exposes unfair or dangerous practices, and pushes for lasting solutions. We work at both the national and state levels, testifying before lawmakers, petitioning government agencies, supporting stronger regulations, and mobilizing everyday people to make their voices heard.
Our core areas of work include:
- Health Care
We advocate for safer hospitals, lower medical costs, better access to affordable care, and stronger protections against medical debt and surprise billing. Our efforts have helped reduce preventable hospital infections and expand consumer rights in the health care system. - Financial Services
We fight against predatory lending, unfair credit card practices, hidden fees, and practices that trap consumers in debt. We work to improve the security of personal financial information and promote transparency in banking and credit markets. - Food Safety
We push for stronger standards in food production, clearer labeling, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and contaminants, and better oversight of the food supply so families can trust what they eat. - Product Safety
We hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous products, support recalls when necessary, and advocate for higher safety standards across consumer goods — from household items to children’s products.
Our Approach
Unlike many organizations, Consumers Union accepts no advertising and receives no free samples or corporate sponsorships. This independence allows us to speak honestly and without conflict of interest. We rely on research, data, consumer experiences, and careful investigation to identify problems and develop practical solutions.
We believe that informed, organized consumers have the power to change the marketplace. That is why we combine expert analysis with grassroots advocacy — listening to the real experiences of people across the country and turning those stories into effective campaigns for reform.
Our History
Consumers Union was founded in 1936 during a time when advertising flooded the mass media and consumers had few reliable sources of information. A group of engineers, journalists, scientists, and advocates came together to create an organization that would test products rigorously, publish unbiased ratings, and fight for the public interest. Over the decades, that work expanded into broader advocacy on health care, financial fairness, food safety, and product safety.
Today, Consumers Union continues that legacy. While the organization has evolved, our core commitment remains the same: to put consumers first and to work for a marketplace that is safer, fairer, and more transparent.
Join Us
Whether you are looking for clear information on important consumer issues or want to take action to protect yourself and others, Consumers Union is here to help. Together, we can build a marketplace that works for people — not just corporations.