Scout's Research
Studies, news, and lawsuits — hand-picked by Scout to inform your choices.
Meta-Analysis · High evidence Cadmium Exposure and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adds evidence that cadmium, a harmful heavy metal, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, highlighting the importance of avoiding environmental toxins in our food and surroundings. La Medicina del lavoro · 2026 
Lawsuit · Ongoing Nearly 12,000 women allege L'Oréal hair relaxers caused uterine and ovarian cancer L'Oréal's largest carcinogen litigation — not benzene, but the same pattern Scout exists to surface: endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday personal-care products marketed as safe, with the science now being tested in court. L'Oréal USA / SoftSheen-Carson; Revlon; Strength of Nature; Namaste, et al. · 2026 
News · Autoimmune Neurological Eating More Meat May Lower Alzheimer's Risk for Some People Supports the case for higher consumption of unprocessed meat over conventional dietary recommendations, particularly for individuals with high-risk genetic variants related to Alzheimer's disease. JAMA Network Open · 2026 
RCT · Moderate evidence Anti-Obesity Effects of Probiotics Beyond BMI: A Critical Review of Human Clinical Trials Supports the case for probiotics as a beneficial strategy for improving metabolic health and fat distribution, rather than solely focusing on weight loss, which aligns with Scout's emphasis on whole food and clean supplements. Letters in applied microbiology · 2026 
Cross-Sectional · Moderate evidence Higher Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods Is Associated with Disordered Eating Symptoms and Low-Quality Diet in Adults with Obesity This study confirms that ultra-processed foods are linked to disordered eating symptoms and poor diet quality in adults with obesity. Specifically, higher consumption of these foods correlates with increased binge eating, bulimia symptoms, and emotional eating. Scout penalizes ultra-processed foods due to their clear negative impact on diet quality and eating behaviors in this population. Archives of endocrinology and metabolism · 2026 
Other · Low evidence Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Acute Metabolic Crises in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Report of Two Cases Highlights the potential acute metabolic risks associated with sugar-sweetened beverages in individuals with type 2 diabetes, supporting the case against refined sugar and ultra-processed foods. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition · 2026 
Other · Low evidence Metabolomic Pattern of Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer Precursors Supports the case for minimizing ultra-processed food intake due to its association with colorectal cancer precursors, highlighting the potential harms of these foods in relation to cancer risk. Gastroenterology · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence Common Food Crops Are a Significant Source of PFAS Exposure Highlights the significant contribution of food plants, particularly wheat, to human exposure to PFAS, underscoring the importance of understanding food sources of environmental toxins for those focused on clean eating. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry · 2026 
Cohort · Moderate evidence Ketogenic Diet Lowers Blood Pressure and Metabolic Risk in Women with Hypertension Supports the case for ketogenic diets in managing metabolic risk factors, particularly in post-menopausal women, which aligns with Scout's focus on whole food diet patterns. Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD · 2026 
Other · Low–Moderate evidence PFAS Chemicals Cross the Placenta and Disrupt Infant Glucose and Growth Highlights the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals, showing they can cross the placenta and disrupt infant glucose metabolism and growth, which is critical for those concerned about environmental toxins in food packaging. Environmental Science & Technology · 2026 
News 'Forever Chemicals' Contaminate Nearly 40% of Non-Organic California-Grown Produce Highlights the pervasive contamination of non-organic produce with PFAS, underscoring the importance of choosing organic foods to avoid harmful chemicals in our diet. Environmental Working Group · 2026 
News · Ultra Processed Secret GRAS: How 100+ Food Chemicals Bypassed Government Safety Review Highlights the concerning lack of transparency and safety review for over 100 food chemicals, supporting the case for avoiding ultra-processed foods that may contain these untested substances. Environmental Working Group · 2026 
Other · Low–Moderate evidence PET Plastic Microplastics Damage the Liver via Gut Disruption Highlights the harmful effects of microplastics, specifically PET plastic, on liver health, supporting concerns about environmental toxins in our food supply. Environmental Science & Technology · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence Impact of Polystyrene Microplastic Exposure at Low Doses on Male Fertility: An Experimental Study in Rats Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are shown to cause significant reproductive harm in male rats, including reduced sperm quality and hormonal imbalances. This study confirms that PS-MPs induce oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to testicular damage. Scout penalizes products containing microplastics due to their confirmed reproductive toxicity. Scientific reports · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence The Prevalence and Distribution of Palm, Soy and Coconut Oils in Australian Food: Implications for Planetary and Human Health This study examines palm, soy, and coconut oils in Australian packaged foods, confirming their prevalence in ultra-processed, nutritionally poor products. These oils are linked to environmental harm and poor nutritional profiles. Scout penalizes products containing these oils due to their association with unsustainable practices and negative health impacts. International journal of food sciences and nutrition · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence High Fluoride Exposure Disrupts Gut Microbiota and Induces Intestinal Barrier Damage via Rhoa/rock-Mediated Cytoskeletal Remodeling This study investigates the impact of high fluoride exposure on gut health, demonstrating that it disrupts the gut microbiota and damages the intestinal barrier in mice. The study confirms that fluoride exposure activates the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, leading to increased intestinal permeability. Scout penalizes fluoride due to its confirmed negative effects on gut integrity and microbiota balance. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence Gut-Ovary Axis Mediated Synergistic Reproductive Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Perfluorobutanoic Acid Co-Exposure: Pyroptotic Signaling and Probiotic Mitigation This study examines the combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPLs) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) on female reproductive health. It demonstrates that co-exposure leads to significant ovarian toxicity, including decreased primordial follicles and increased follicular atresia, through mechanisms involving gut barrier damage and inflammation. Scout penalizes products containing these contaminants due to their confirmed reproductive harm. Particle and fibre toxicology · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence The Diet-Multiple Sclerosis Connection: Oxidative Stress and Emerging Mechanisms This study examines the impact of diet on multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on the role of oxidative stress and the Nrf2 pathway. It demonstrates that natural compounds in Mediterranean, ketogenic, and Paleolithic diets enhance Nrf2 activity, potentially improving MS outcomes. Scout confirms its support for these dietary patterns due to their ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation in MS. Molecular neurobiology · 2026 
Animal · Moderate evidence Artificial Sweeteners and Male Infertility: Network Toxicology and Experimental Evidence Reveal Fgfr1 as the Critical Target This study investigates artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame, neotame, and sucralose, and their impact on male fertility. The data demonstrates that these sweeteners bind to FGFR1, a critical gene associated with testicular function, leading to reproductive toxicity. Scout penalizes artificial sweeteners due to their confirmed negative effects on male reproductive health. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence Analytical Approaches for the Determination of Nitrate and Nitrite in Infant and Baby Foods: Advances and Occurrence This study focuses on nitrate and nitrite levels in infant and baby foods. It confirms the presence of these compounds in plant-based ingredients used in commercial products, highlighting potential health risks due to nitrite conversion. Scout penalizes products with high nitrate and nitrite levels because these contaminants pose significant health risks to infants. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence Dietary Trends and Lifestyle Habits Among University Students: Analysis of Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Risks This study examines the dietary patterns of university students, highlighting a significant inclination towards ultra-processed foods. Such dietary habits are definitively linked to increased risks of chronic diseases and poor nutritional outcomes. Scout penalizes ultra-processed foods because they contribute to metabolic and cardiovascular health issues. Nutrients · 2026 
Cohort · Moderate evidence Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Hypertensive Nephropathy: Role of the Mediterranean Diet This study examines the Mediterranean diet's impact on oxidative stress and endothelial function in hypertensive nephropathy. It demonstrates that adherence to this diet is linked to reduced oxidative stress, specifically NOX2-mediated, which is crucial for kidney health. Scout confirms the benefit of the Mediterranean diet and supports its positive scoring due to its protective effects against oxidative damage in hypertensive individuals. International journal of molecular sciences · 2026 
Animal · Low evidence Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Mitigate Working Memory Decline Through Feeding a Low-Carbohydrate and High-Protein Diet in Healthy Mice This study examines the impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on memory decline induced by a low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LC-HP) diet in mice. The data confirms that n-3 PUFAs, particularly DHA, counteract memory decline by modulating hippocampal signaling pathways. Scout confirms its penalty for LC-HP diets lacking omega-3 supplementation due to their potential cognitive drawbacks. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids · 2026 
Cohort · Moderate evidence How Diet and Gut Health Influence Cognitive Decline and Neurodegeneration Highlights the connection between diet, gut microbiome health, and cognitive function, emphasizing the potential for dietary interventions to influence neurodegenerative diseases, which aligns with Scout's focus on whole foods and their impact on health. Frontiers in aging neuroscience · 2026 
Cohort · High evidence Blood Pressure Is Associated with Ultra-Processed Food Intake in a Sex- and Age-Specific Manner During the Transition to Adulthood in Cebu, Philippines This study examines the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake on blood pressure among young adults in the Philippines. It demonstrates that UPF consumption is linked to increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with specific effects varying by sex and age. Scout penalizes ultra-processed foods due to their confirmed association with elevated blood pressure, reinforcing the need to limit these foods in adolescent diets. The British journal of nutrition · 2026 
Lawsuit · Filed Class action: Naked Nutrition protein powder marketed as “tested for heavy metals” allegedly has 1,570% of California’s lead limit A supplement brand making explicit “tested for heavy metals” purity claims while allegedly delivering dangerous lead levels is exactly the deceptive-health-claim and contamination pattern Scout warns users about. Naked Whey Inc. (d/b/a Naked Nutrition) · 2025 
Lawsuit · Settled Boar’s Head pays $3.1M after listeria-tainted deli meat linked to 10 deaths A deadly contamination event at a major deli brand, resolved in litigation — squarely within Scout’s mandate to warn users about food contamination and corporate food-safety failures. Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. · 2025 
Lawsuit · Ongoing Gore-Tex maker accused of “greenwashing” while concealing PFAS in waterproof outdoor gear A flagship apparel/textile brand allegedly hiding PFAS behind sustainability marketing — the toxic-chemicals-in-clothing plus greenwashing combination central to Scout’s expansion into apparel. W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore-Tex) · 2025 
News · Glyphosate Glyphosate Weed Killer Linked to Cancer at 'Safe' Doses Adds evidence that glyphosate, a common herbicide, causes multiple types of cancer at doses deemed safe by regulators, raising concerns about the safety of food products treated with this chemical. Environmental Health (study); The New Lede (report) · 2025 
News · Seed Oils Omega-6 Fatty Acid Promotes the Growth of an Aggressive Type of Breast Cancer Adds evidence that linoleic acid, a major component of harmful seed oils, promotes aggressive breast cancer growth through a specific molecular mechanism. Science · 2025 
News · Ultra Processed Where Your Ultraprocessed Food Comes From This study sheds light on the origins and production processes of ultraprocessed foods, emphasizing the importance of understanding where these harmful products come from and their potential impact on health. It supports the case for choosing whole, minimally processed foods over ultraprocessed alternatives. The Fern · 2025 
Lawsuit · Ongoing Hershey sued over PFAS in candy packaging after touting “highest quality, safety and sustainability standards” A top-tier food brand allegedly hiding PFAS in packaging behind safety/sustainability marketing combines food contamination, deceptive claims, and the forever-chemicals theme Scout tracks. The Hershey Company · 2024 
Lawsuit · Settled Daily Harvest pays ~$30M after its “healthy” lentil meal sickened hundreds A “healthy” direct-to-consumer meal brand whose product caused widespread illness and large settlements reinforces Scout’s message that clean-label marketing does not guarantee safety. Daily Harvest, Inc. (plus suppliers Smirk’s Ltd., Molinos Asociados SAC, Stone Gate Foods) · 2024 
Lawsuit · Ongoing Lindt concedes “expertly crafted” is puffery as judge lets heavy-metals suit over its dark chocolate proceed Heavy metals in a beloved “premium” chocolate, plus a brand legally disclaiming its own quality marketing, is a vivid example of the deceptive-claim and contamination story Scout exists to surface. Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. · 2024 
Lawsuit · Ongoing Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens recalled over benzene; J&J's settlement thrown out on appeal A benzene contamination event at the #1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand, a real recall, and a settlement still in limbo three years later — sunscreen safety is a core Scout topic and this is its defining case. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Neutrogena, Aveeno) · 2024 
Lawsuit · Ongoing CeraVe and La Roche-Posay acne treatments allegedly break down into benzene, a known carcinogen Benzoyl peroxide's instability is chemistry users can act on today — heat exposure accelerates benzene formation — and it's exactly why Scout already caps scores on benzoyl peroxide products. A live consolidated case against the biggest skincare brands makes that cap's rationale visible. L'Oréal USA, Inc. (CeraVe, La Roche-Posay) · 2024 
Animal · Low evidence Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of Environmental Distribution, Human Exposure, and Toxic Effects This study focuses on microplastics, which are shown to cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, immune response, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity in animal models. Scout penalizes microplastics because they definitively harm multiple organ systems and contribute to chronic disease risk. Environment & health (Washington, D.C.) · 2023 
Lawsuit · Settled P&G pays $8M after benzene found in Old Spice and Secret sprays at 9× the FDA limit A completed arc: independent lab finding → recall → settlement with testing mandates. The products were reformulated, but it shows what was on shelves undisclosed — and why Scout flags aerosol personal-care categories. The Procter & Gamble Company (Old Spice, Secret) · 2023 
News · Autoimmune Neurological New Testing Shows High Levels of BPA in Sports Bras and Athletic Shirts Highlights the presence of BPA, a harmful chemical linked to various health issues, in commonly worn athletic apparel, raising concerns about exposure to toxins in everyday clothing. Center for Environmental Health · 2022 
Sys. Review · High evidence Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, demonstrates neurotoxic effects across various species, including humans. This study confirms that glyphosate exposure disrupts neuronal development and function, leading to neuroinflammation and cell death. Scout penalizes glyphosate due to its confirmed neurotoxic impact, affecting products containing this chemical. International journal of molecular sciences · 2022 
Meta-Analysis · High evidence Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis and Supporting Evidence Glyphosate-based herbicides are shown to increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41% in individuals with high cumulative exposure. This meta-analysis confirms the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate, linking it to significant health risks. Scout penalizes glyphosate due to its definitive association with increased cancer risk. Mutation research. Reviews in mutation research · 2019 
Other · Low evidence Omega-6 Vegetable Oils as a Driver of Coronary Heart Disease: The Oxidized Linoleic Acid Hypothesis Omega-6 vegetable oils, such as those high in linoleic acid, are linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease. This study supports the hypothesis that oxidized linoleic acid contributes to cardiovascular damage. Scout penalizes omega-6 oils because they are confirmed to drive heart disease risk. Open heart · 2018 
News · Ultra Processed New Research Reveals Addictive Design, Health Harms of Ultra-Processed Foods; Calls for Systemic Change Highlights the health harms associated with ultra-processed foods, reinforcing the need to avoid these harmful products in favor of whole, minimally processed options. News 
News · Artificial Additives ‘Natural’ Food Dyes May Have Health Risks Too, Studies Show Highlights potential health risks associated with 'natural' food dyes, supporting the case for avoiding artificial additives and questioning the safety of seemingly benign ingredients in processed foods. News 
News · Artificial Additives Food colourings and preservatives: Three new studies point to links between food additives and an increased risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension Adds evidence that artificial additives, specifically food colorings and preservatives, are linked to increased risks of serious health conditions like cancer and type 2 diabetes, supporting the case for avoiding these harmful ingredients in favor of whole foods. News 
News · Ultra Processed High ultra-processed food consumption linked to increased dementia risk Supports the case for minimizing ultra-processed food intake to reduce the risk of dementia, aligning with Scout's doctrine of avoiding harmful industrial food chemicals. News 
News New York Moves Closer to Banning Flour Additive Linked to Cancer Highlights the potential dangers of a common flour additive linked to cancer, reinforcing concerns about harmful food chemicals in our diets. News 
Other · Low evidence BPA and Its Substitutes in Personal Care Products Pose Cumulative Health Risks Highlights the cumulative health risks associated with BPA and its substitutes in personal care products, supporting concerns about packaging chemicals like BPA that can leach into food and affect health. Food and Chemical Toxicology (Elsevier) No matches.