Cofounder & Research Director (Volunteer)

Elise Hutchinson, PhD

Elise is a cofounder of foodfacts.org, she has a PhD in linguistics and focuses on fighting misinformation & creating meaningful debate.

About Elise

Elise is one of the founders of foodfacts.org she is a linguistics professional who was awarded Summa Cum Laude for her PhD thesis, which focused on the cognitive and discursive mechanisms behind effective persuasion, particularly in the long term. She is passionate about finding ways to fight against the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and to generate meaningful, constructive debates.

Elise earned her PhD at the Université de Neuchâtel and currently lives in England.

Articles featuring  

Elise Hutchinson, PhD

FACT CHECK
Opinion
Health

Seed oils are in baby formula for a reason. Here’s why it matters

For parents who cannot naturally breastfeed their babies, infant formulas provide a lifeline.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

Omega-3 fatty acids: evaluating the role of fish and plant sources

It's true that fish sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are better than most plant-based ones, but fish get their omega's from this super water-plant source
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Health

The Belle Gibson scandal: how wellness misinformation endangers public health

When Belle Gibson lied about curing her cancer by eating fruits and vegetables, it wasn't just morally wrong, it was a threat to public health.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

The facts about protein: why science says more isn’t always better

The Glucose Goddess claims that we should all aim for 2g of protein per kg of body weight every day. What do the experts think?
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Media Literacy

Exposing misinformation: how influencers twist the truth on social media

Misinformation Detractors: How Social Media Influencers Deflect Accountability in Nutrition Conversations
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Media Literacy

Untangling microwaves myths: a physics-based reality check

Microwaves don’t “scramble” your food’s energy. Here’s what physics says about how they really work.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

Fibre under fire: debunking Eddie Abbew's claims that humans don’t need it

We fact-check recent claims by Eddie Abbew that fibre isn't essential, reviewing the science on its role in digestion, immunity, and long-term disease prevention.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Health

Paul Saladino’s anti-folic acid advice for pregnant women is not just wrong—it could be dangerous

Folic acid in pregnancy: evidence-based guidance vs. viral claims. We explain what Paul Saladino’s claims show - and don’t show - plus red flag checks.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

“Not real food”? Says Eddie Abbew. A closer look at claims about tempeh, soy, and men’s health.

Eddie Abbew’s statements dismiss the nutritional value of soy-based foods like tempeh, mischaracterise soy’s impact on hormones, and promote an overly narrow definition of what constitutes “real” food.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Media Literacy

Exposing misinformation: how influencers twist the truth on social media

Misinformation Detractors: How Social Media Influencers Deflect Accountability in Nutrition Conversations