From Our President: Have a Safer Summer

By Marta L. Tellado, PhD

June 6, 2024

overhead view of parents and two children sitting on white blanket with picnic foods, surrounded by grass

Summer is here, and if you’re like me, you can’t wait to enjoy the great outdoors. But like any season, there are a few things to keep in mind, and CR has the trusted information you need to plan ahead.

When I was growing up, summer meant pulling out the window fans and elbowing my siblings for positioning. Those days bear no resemblance to recent record-breaking heat waves. (Phoenix suffered through 31 straight days with temperatures of 110° F or higher last summer.) This year, it’s important to prepare for potentially extreme temperatures. And whether you’re relaxing at home, going for your daily walk, or heading out for a drive, we share the practical guidance you need to ready yourself.

Summer also means sun, of course, and it is vital that we all protect ourselves with sunscreen while we bask in its glow. Just remember that not all sunscreens are created equal, which is why CR rigorously tests dozens of them every year. We recommend a number of highly effective products.

Food safety is also important as you plan that Fourth of July picnic. CR has a list of the staples linked to the most serious bacteria-related food recalls and outbreaks in 2023. Some are the usual suspects, such as leafy greens and raw cookie dough, but cantaloupe, alfalfa sprouts, and peaches can be problematic as well. Sign up for real-time alerts on the latest food recalls.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Marta L. Tellado, PhD

As President and CEO of Consumer Reports, Marta L. Tellado leads America’s foremost consumer organization—an independent nonprofit that works with consumers to advance truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. Since joining CR in 2014, Tellado has transformed one of America’s most trusted social enterprises, uniting its rigorous research, consumer insights, award-winning journalism, and policy expertise to drive social impact. Born in Cuba and raised in New Jersey, Marta has dedicated her public service career to a range of issues, including consumer advocacy, economic fairness, and civil rights. Follow her on Twitter ( @MLTellado).