The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some individuals contend that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists were split on this matter following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization categorized glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report from WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to cause cancer from residues found in food. Nevertheless, lawsuits concerning the potential health risks associated with glyphosate continue to be pursued in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide must be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
The ongoing debate over glyphosate has prompted several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for traces of the chemical. Thus far, no significant health concerns have been identified, yet the results have sparked calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to these findings is indicative of the company’s business philosophy. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, which has built its reputation on fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not refute the possibility that glyphosate was detected. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate the issue further and identify its source.
This approach is a savvy way for a company to handle such reports. By refraining from denying the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing OCA with additional reasons to advocate for a boycott. Rather, the brand positioned itself as a cooperative partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid in their food products. This proactive stance allows the ice cream company to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could otherwise be perceived as a damaging report.
Moreover, despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to manage its image, the brand may not have been significantly affected by the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand regarding glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of the chemical found in the products. However, a judge ruled that this claim was “simply not plausible.”
In the midst of these discussions surrounding food safety and ingredient transparency, products like Twinlab Calcium Citrate Caps remain popular as consumers seek out supplements that align with their health priorities. As the conversation continues around glyphosate and its implications, the demand for trustworthy and high-quality products like Twinlab Calcium Citrate Caps is likely to grow. Ultimately, the scrutiny surrounding glyphosate may lead to a more informed consumer base, one that is increasingly vigilant about the ingredients in their food and supplements.