Editorial policy

Last updated: December 2025

At CheckTheLabels.com, our goal is to publish ingredient information that is clear, neutral, and source-based. This editorial policy explains how we create, review, and update content so readers understand what to expect.

1. Purpose of Our Content

CheckTheLabels.com is an educational reference platform. We publish information to help users understand ingredient labels, such as:

  • Food additives and preservatives
  • E-numbers/INS codes
  • Emulsifiers and stabilisers
  • Cosmetic ingredients
  • Regulatory status and published limits (where available)

We do not provide medical, nutritional, legal, or professional advice.

2. Our Editorial Principles

We follow these principles on every ingredient page:

Evidence-first

We prioritize official and reputable sources such as:

  • Government and regulator publications (e.g., FSSAI, FDA, EFSA)
  • Scientific opinions and safety assessments
  • Recognised standards (e.g., Codex)

Neutral language

We avoid sensational or fear-based statements. We aim to describe:

  • what an ingredient is
  • how it’s used
  • what regulators and published assessments say
  • where limits apply and how they vary by category

Transparency

Where possible, we include direct references so readers can verify information.

Clarity

We convert technical language into plain explanations without changing the meaning.

3. How We Create Ingredient Pages

Step 1: Source collection

We gather information from reliable sources (typically official documents and scientific opinions).

Step 2: Data extraction

We extract key fields in a structured format, such as:

  • Identity (name, codes, alternative names)
  • Use and purpose
  • Regulatory status by region
  • Limits/ADI where published
  • Population considerations (e.g., toddlers/children exposure scenarios)

Step 3: Drafting

We write:

  • A plain-language “What it is” summary
  • A neutral “Bottom line”
  • FAQs that reflect the source material

Step 4: Review (two-person check)

Before publishing, content is checked by a second reviewer (our co-maintainer) for:

  • factual consistency
  • clarity and tone
  • correct units (e.g., mg/kg, mg/kg bw/day)
  • correct citation links and attribution
  • avoiding absolute health claims

Step 5: Publish and label the review date

Each page may display a “Last reviewed” date when the information was added/updated/removed.

4. Sources and Citation Standards

We aim to cite the most authoritative sources available. When possible, we prefer:

  1. Regulatory authorities (official portals, legal texts)
  2. Scientific opinions (published assessments, safety evaluations)
  3. International standards (Codex, recognised technical standards)
  4. Secondary explanations only when they add clarity and link to primary sources

We intentionally don’t cite or refer to low-quality sources, and we avoid copying content verbatim from copyrighted sources.

5. Scoring and Classifications

Where CheckTheLabels.com uses a score, rating, or classification (such as “Low / Moderate / High”), it is meant as an informational summary to help users interpret complex information.

Scores and classifications:

  • are not absolute judgments
  • do not replace regulatory decisions
  • do not predict individual health outcomes
  • should be interpreted alongside the cited sources and context

We aim to explain how scores are assigned in our Methodology page.

6. Corrections Policy

Accuracy matters. If we identify an error or receive credible feedback:

  • We review the claim against primary sources
  • We correct mistakes promptly when confirmed
  • We may update references or wording for clarity
  • For significant corrections, we may note an update date.

To report a correction, contact us at:
Email: connect@checkthelabels.com

7. Update and Review Schedule

Regulations and scientific assessments can change. We aim to review content:

  • When major regulators publish updates or new opinions
  • When users report credible updates
  • On a periodic cycle (where feasible), prioritising high-traffic ingredients first

8. Independence and Conflicts of Interest

CheckTheLabels.com is independent.

  • We do not accept payments to change ingredient evaluations.
  • We do not endorse brands or products.
  • If sponsorships or advertising are added in the future, we will clearly disclose them.

9. Contact

For feedback, corrections, or source suggestions, please contact us at:
Email: connect@checkthelabels.com