Framework • Independent, non-governmental standard
The HGS Framework
A simple standard for making health risk visible
- Independent, science-driven standard
- No mandates, enforcement, or behavior control
- Designed for voluntary adoption and policy alignment
Why this approach works
History shows that when information is graded, standardized, and visible, behavior changes automatically — without regulation or persuasion.
Consumer Reports → quality improved
Energy Star → billions saved
Restaurant grades → sanitation improved
What HGS does — and does not do
HGS does
- Reveal health risk clearly
- Create a common consumer language
- Enable market-led change
HGS does not
- Regulate behavior
- Ban products
- Replace existing labels or laws
A standard for clarity
HGS defines a repeatable method for assigning an A–F health grade to consumer products. The goal is simple: make health risk easier to understand at the point of decision—without requiring consumers to interpret complex ingredient lists.
Front-of-package A–F grade
Exposure-aware scoring
Auditable + updateable
Built for cross-category use
What the framework produces
HGS is intentionally simple on the front, with depth available behind it. The grade communicates risk instantly, while optional supporting details can provide transparency for those who want it.
- A clear A–F grade designed for front-of-package visibility
- Optional QR/link to a breakdown of contributing factors
- Ingredient-level notes where applicable
- Versioned updates as scientific evidence evolves
The grade is intended to be understood instantly—like a common language for comparing products across a category.
The A–F Grade
Simple for consumers. Rigorous behind the scenes.
How the framework works
HGS follows a consistent workflow: define the category, evaluate ingredients and exposure, calculate risk, and translate that risk into a grade.
1
Category context
Products are evaluated within category context (food, personal care, household, pet, etc.) so the grade remains comparable and meaningful.
2
Ingredient + function review
Ingredients are interpreted by function and known risk signals (e.g., preservatives, fragrances, sweeteners, coloring agents, surfactants), not just by name.
3
Exposure-aware risk weighting
Risk is weighted by likely exposure—how the product is used, frequency, and contact pathways—so the output reflects real-world impact.
4
Translate risk into grades
The resulting risk score is mapped to a clear grade intended to be easily understood at a glance.
What the framework evaluates
HGS is built to be comprehensive without being confusing. The framework evaluates factors that materially affect health risk and keeps the consumer-facing output simple.
Ingredient hazard signals
Known risk signals such as toxicity, irritation potential, endocrine disruption flags, and other hazard indicators (category-dependent).
Dose + concentration context
Where data allows, risk is interpreted in context—concentration, intended use, and plausible exposure.
Exposure frequency
Daily-use products are not treated the same as occasional-use products. Frequency materially changes real-world impact.
Processing intensity (where applicable)
For applicable categories, processing intensity is considered as a proxy for formulation complexity and risk accumulation.
Packaging + contact materials
Where relevant, the framework can account for contact materials and packaging exposure pathways.
Category-specific constraints
HGS supports category-specific adjustments so a grade remains comparable within a category and meaningful to the public.
Governance and transparency
HGS is designed to remain credible over time. Updates should be evidence-driven, auditable, and transparent, with clear versioning as science changes.
Evidence updates
The framework is maintained to reflect evolving research and safety signals. Changes are recorded and versioned.
Human oversight
Decision-making is designed to include expert review. Automated systems may suggest changes, but governance remains human-led.
Auditability
The goal is a framework that can be reviewed, challenged, and improved over time—without hidden criteria.
HGS is an independent NGO-style initiative and is not affiliated with any government agency. HGS does not issue mandates or enforce compliance; it provides a transparency framework for research, public understanding, and potential voluntary adoption.
Framework FAQ
Is HGS part of the government?
HGS is an independent, non-governmental initiative. We are not affiliated with, operated by, or endorsed by any government agency.
Is HGS a regulatory authority?
No. HGS does not regulate behavior, issue mandates, or enforce compliance. HGS provides a transparency framework and methodology.
What does an A–F grade mean?
The grade is a simple summary of relative health risk within a category—designed to help people understand risk at a glance.
How is the grade determined?
Grades are derived from a methodology that evaluates ingredient risk signals and exposure context (how a product is used, frequency, and pathways), then maps that risk to a grade output.
Does HGS ban products or tell people what to buy?
No. HGS does not ban products or direct consumer behavior. The goal is to make health risk information clearer so individuals can decide for themselves.
Does HGS replace nutrition labels or ingredient lists?
No. HGS is designed as a simple, front-facing summary. Detailed ingredient and regulatory disclosures remain important and can be referenced alongside the grade.
Is HGS “anti-industry”?
No. HGS is pro-transparency. The framework is designed to be fair, consistent, and usable across brands and categories.
How does HGS stay credible over time?
HGS is built around transparency, evidence-based updates, and versioning. As science evolves, methodologies can be updated with documented rationale.
Is machine learning involved?
Automated systems may assist with monitoring research and suggesting updates, but governance is intended to be human-led with expert review and transparent versioning.
What categories can HGS apply to?
HGS is designed for cross-category use (e.g., food, personal care, household products, pet products) with category-specific adjustments for relevance and comparability.
Will the framework be publicly available?
HGS is structured to support transparency. Some materials may be public while deeper technical documentation may be shared with partners, reviewers, and advisors.
Can governments adopt or reference HGS?
HGS is not a government program, but the framework is designed to be compatible with public-sector use. Any adoption would occur through independent policy processes.
What is the goal of HGS in one sentence?
Make health risk clearer, faster, and more understandable at the moment decisions are made.
How can organizations work with HGS?
Organizations can partner on pilots, methodology review, research collaboration, or transparency initiatives. Use the contact link to start a conversation.
Work with the framework
We welcome scientific advisors, partners, and supporters interested in transparency standards. If you’d like to review the methodology, pilot a category, or contribute feedback, reach out.