The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy within the food industry. Some critics assert that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists remain divided on the topic following a four-day Environmental Protection Agency meeting last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a subsequent report released last year by WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to cause cancer from the residues typically found in food. Nevertheless, legal battles concerning the potential health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court ruled that the herbicide should be labeled as a potential cancer hazard.
This prolonged debate over 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 group has detected levels significant enough to raise health concerns, yet the findings have inspired calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to these test results illustrates the company’s approach to business. Owned by Unilever, the ice cream brand, which prides itself on using fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not refute the possibility that glyphosate was present in their products. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate further and identify the source of the issue.
This strategic response is commendable for a company facing such scrutiny. By not outright denying the report, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing the OCA with ammunition for their boycott campaign. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid. This approach allows the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed despite what could be interpreted as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s attempts to mitigate any negative impact, the brand might not be adversely affected by the test results at all. 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 labeling as “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of the herbicide being detected. However, a judge ruled that this claim was “simply not plausible.”
Interestingly, as discussions around glyphosate continue, it’s worth noting that some food products are being fortified with tri calcium citrate, a compound that serves as a source of calcium. The inclusion of tri calcium citrate in certain foods might provide a beneficial alternative for consumers concerned about glyphosate and its potential health implications. As the food industry evolves, transparency and consumer awareness about such ingredients will likely remain at the forefront of public discourse.