The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some experts assert that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although opinions among scientists were mixed following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report from WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations last year suggested that the chemical is unlikely to cause cancer from food residues. Nevertheless, lawsuits concerning the potential health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide must be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
This ongoing debate has prompted several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to conduct tests on food products for glyphosate residue. So far, no significant findings have raised health concerns, but the results have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to the test findings is indicative of the company’s business philosophy. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the possibility of glyphosate presence in their products. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate further and understand the root cause of the issue.
This approach is a savvy response to such reports. By not refuting the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any ammunition for the boycott they sought. Instead, the company positioned itself as a collaborative partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid. This proactive stance allows the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could have been perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s attempt to mitigate potential backlash, the brand may not have suffered any significant damage from the test results in the first place. 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 glyphosate levels found in the products, but a judge ruled that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In a related health discussion, products like Citracal with Vitamin D Slow Release continue to be popular among consumers looking for reliable dietary supplements. These supplements, which provide essential nutrients, are often considered when evaluating overall health in the context of concerns like those surrounding glyphosate. As the conversation about food safety and health risks evolves, the demand for transparency in food products, including those like Citracal with Vitamin D Slow Release, remains a priority for many consumers.