# What My Job Is Like as a Fact Checker at Bon Appétit

> Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, explains fact-checking, his career shift from surgery to food media, and AI's role in journalism.
- Title: What My Job Is Like as a Fact Checker at Bon Appétit
- Summary: Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, explains fact-checking, his career shift from surgery to food media, and AI's role in journalism.
- Keywords: bon appétit, ryan harrington, fact checking, research director, nyu food studies, ai journalism, food media, worcester superior court, sandwich definition, happy endings tv show, immersion blender, french onion tart
- Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/story/fact-checker-role-ryan-harrington
- Author: The Bon Appétit Staff
- Published: 2026-11-03T22:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: bon appétit, ryan harrington, fact checking, research director, nyu food studies, ai journalism, food media, worcester superior court, sandwich definition, happy endings tv show, immersion blender, french onion tart
## What is Fact Checking?
At Bon Appétit, every story or recipe goes through multiple edits and research reviews to ensure accuracy.
## Information Accuracy Checks
Fact checkers verify spelling, menu descriptions, source credibility, and quoted individuals' portrayals for truthfulness.
## Cultural Sensitivity
Research honors diverse experiences by giving people a platform without making it a spectacle.
## Legal Concerns
The research team handles libel, copyright, food safety, and source protection to avoid legal issues.
## Ryan's Background
Ryan Harrington earned a chemistry bachelor’s and worked in thoracic surgery before switching to food media.
## Career Shift to Food Media
Ryan pursued food media through NYU’s Food Studies program and interned at Food & Wine.
## Work Experience
Ryan worked at Travel & Leisure, Lucky Peach, and a brewery during the pandemic.
## Five Years at Bon Appétit
Ryan has been Bon Appétit’s research director for five years.
## Teaching at NYU
Ryan teaches food studies at NYU, focusing on audience understanding.
## Research Fellowship
Ryan started a research fellowship program for students to gain real-world media experience.
## Favorite Stories
Ryan enjoys deep dives into food processes, like how Dr. Arielle Johnson makes chocolate.
## Wine Challenges
Wine coverage requires handling specific terminology, international regulations, and foreign spellings.
## Rabbit Hole Story
Ryan found a historic lesbian bar in San Diego through archival research and interviews.
## Favorite Recipe
Ryan makes Shilpa Uskokovic’s French Onion Tart most often for its simplicity and flavor.
## Sandwich Trivia
New York defines sandwiches broadly, including hot dogs and burritos, while Massachusetts rules burritos aren’t sandwiches.
## AI in Journalism
Ryan uses AI transcription to save time but verifies results manually for accuracy.
## Kitchen Tool
Ryan uses an immersion blender for smooth, spill-free cooking tasks.
## Key takeaway

Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, shares how fact-checking ensures accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and legal compliance in food media.