At Consumer Reports we are constantly seeking to evolve our product and service ratings and recommendations by incorporating new elements and criteria that are of interest to consumers and advance the principles of a fair and just marketplace. A question that has arisen over time has been why we do not include the ethical behavior of companies in our assessment, for example in terms of treatment of their employees.

As an organization those values and principles are important underpinnings of the work we do, but an objective assessment is increasingly complex when these factors are included. Here’s why: Data on these issues is often incomplete, inconsistent, and verification is particularly difficult. We are aware of many ethical ratings programs, most of which depend on data that is publicly disclosed by companies. At this point we are reluctant to rely on these data sources without independent verification of the claims being made. We will continue to monitor data sources as they become available.

Given that the majority of products are manufactured abroad with parts from multiple suppliers, accountability for disparate supply chains is not always clear. Any CR rating requires a consistent and truly comparative assessment, which we can achieve by testing products and services, by surveying our members, or via policy analysis, but it’s very challenging to apply that level of scientific rigor on activities that happen beyond our reach and absent an ability to verify the individual claims.

Still, there are other means besides testing to deliver trusted information to consumers who are looking to know more about the ethical dimensions of products and services that they bring into their home. To that end, our researchers, journalists, technologists and policy experts will continue to investigate and advocate for transparency, accountability, and progress as part of our ongoing work to create a fair and just marketplace for all.