The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. While some claim that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, opinions among scientists were mixed following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015; however, a subsequent report from WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from residues present in food. Nonetheless, legal battles concerning the health risks associated with glyphosate continue in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide must be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
This ongoing debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for glyphosate residues. To date, no organization has reported findings significant enough to raise health concerns, but the results have ignited calls for boycotts and regulatory reforms. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results highlights the company’s approach to business. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its emphasis on fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the possibility that glyphosate was detected. Instead, the brand expressed its intention to investigate the issue further.
This approach is a strategic response for a company facing such reports. By acknowledging the results without outright denial, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing OCA with ammunition for the boycott it sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a cooperative entity willing to eliminate any ingredient that consumers might find objectionable. This proactive stance could allow the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could otherwise be perceived as a damaging report.
Interestingly, despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to protect its image, the brand may not have been significantly impacted by the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand regarding glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action suit claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of glyphosate. However, the judge deemed the claim as “simply not plausible.”
In a related note, consumers concerned about dietary health may consider alternatives such as calcium citrate chewable tablets, which offer nutritional benefits without the controversies surrounding glyphosate. As the conversation around food safety evolves, products like calcium citrate chewable tablets may provide a reassuring option for health-conscious individuals. Ultimately, the scrutiny of glyphosate and similar substances continues to shape consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes in the food industry.