How we verify product materials and handle unknowns

Our method, our status vocabulary and why we never treat missing information as safe.

Editorial team (draft) · 6 min read · Last reviewed 7 November 2026 · Status: draft · All countries

Six steps

Identify a consumer question.
Check manufacturer documentation and independent sources.
Record the exact market and variant.
Mark uncertainty clearly.
Invite corrections.
Recheck periodically.

Five statuses

Manufacturer confirmed: written evidence from the manufacturer about the exact variant.
Independently verified: credible independent testing or certification with a defined scope.
Not verified: insufficient evidence. Not a positive or a negative verdict.
Potential concern: a specific concern is supported but unresolved.
Not applicable: criterion not relevant.

Never collapse unknown into safe

If we cannot find evidence, the answer is “not verified”. We do not assume, and we do not advise that you do.

Independence

Commercial relationships, such as future affiliate links, must not determine verification outcomes. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.

What we know

Our method is documented and public.

What remains unclear

The method will be refined through community feedback.

Sources and references

No external sources are cited on this page yet. Sources will be added as claims are verified.