Editorial policy
Last updated
Sources we use
In order of preference:
- Government nutrient databases, mainly USDA FoodData Central.
- Peer-reviewed research: systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized trials first, then large cohort studies.
- Guidance from public health bodies such as the WHO, EFSA, the FDA and national dietary guidelines.
- University press releases, only alongside the study itself.
We do not rewrite other news sites. News items summarize the primary research in our own words and always link to it.
How we use automation and AI
Software helps us check data every day and flag pages that need updating. Our daily news summary is written with AI assistance from the primary study itself (found on PubMed), follows the rules on this page and is published automatically; each one says so in its byline and links to the study. A dietitian reviews news after publication and we correct anything that needs it. Food pages and guides are edited by a person and approved by a registered dietitian before they go live.
What we will not publish
- Claims that a food cures, treats or prevents disease, or that it "burns fat" or "detoxes".
- Very low-calorie plans or "lose X kg in Y days" headlines.
- Language that labels foods as good or bad, clean or junk.
- Health claims that go beyond what EU Regulation 1924/2006 and the evidence allow.
Reviews and updates
Food pages show the date of the last data update and of the last medical review. We re-review pages when the data changes, when new strong evidence appears, and at least once a year. We never change a date without changing the content.
Advertising
Ads, when we show them, are clearly marked, limited to three per page and never influence scores, rankings or editorial content. We do not accept payment for coverage.
Corrections
Found a mistake? Use the "Report an error" link on any page. We log every correction on our corrections page.