April 27, 2026: NCHR raises concerns about the FDA’s proposed plausible mechanism framework for therapies targeting rare and genetic diseases, warning that reliance on such very limited evidence makes it difficult or impossible to make informed choices based on safety and effectiveness, and means even more very high costing unproven drugs, which patients will pay for directly or through health insurance.
Read More »Author: Caroline Bradford
Confused About Red Meat? Why the Evidence Is Not as Simple as the Guidelines
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more red meat, but studies of millions of adults tell the opposite story. Adults who regularly eat processed or ultraprocessed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats — even in small amounts –are more likely to develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. Adults who often eat unprocessed meats, such as steak and hamburgers, are also more likely to develop those diseases than those who eat little or no red meat, but less likely than those who eat ultraprocessed red meat. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats offers a better path to a longer, healthier life.
Read More »Exercise, Reducing Your Likelihood of Cancer, and Life After Treatment
Exercise is known to be good for your heart, but did you know it can also lower your chances of developing many types of cancer and help survivors live longer? Research clearly shows that staying active, whether walking, cycling, swimming, or resistance training, can reduce your chances of getting cancer, improve outcomes if you are diagnosed, and lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence after treatment.
Read More »NCHR Written Comment to FDA on In-Home Disposal Systems for Opioid Analgesics
April 6, 2026: In response to the FDA’s request for written comments, NCHR said that in-home opioid disposal systems alone will not meaningfully reduce misuse or diversion. The biggest issue is that too many pills are prescribed for new users after surgery or accidents, and are kept instead of disposed of. NCHR urged the FDA to focus on practical solutions such as reducing initial prescription sizes, evaluating efficacy of disposal in the real world, simplifying patient instructions, focusing on disposal systems for larger numbers of pills, and expanding proven take-back programs. Without these changes, disposal systems may add cost and complexity without improving patient safety or public health.
Read More »Are plastic food containers safe for storing and heating food?
BBC, March 23, 2026: This excellent BBC article on plastic food containers quotes NCHR’s Dr. Diana Zuckerman and other experts explaining why plastic containers are especially likely to leach dangerous chemicals when containing acidic foods like tomato sauce) or fatty foods (lasagna), or any hot food.
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