The use of glyphosate in food has sparked significant controversy. Some critics claim that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although opinions among scientists were mixed following a four-day meeting last year organized by the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2015, the World Health Organization categorized glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a subsequent report released last year by the WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations suggested that the chemical is unlikely to trigger cancer from the residues typically found in food. Nevertheless, lawsuits regarding 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 threat.
The protracted debate surrounding glyphosate has led several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for glyphosate residue. To date, none of these groups have discovered anything alarming enough to raise health concerns, yet the results have incited calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results reflects the company’s business philosophy. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not refute the findings that indicated possible glyphosate presence. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate further and identify the source of the issue.
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 ammunition for the boycott they sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid. This direct engagement with the issue allows the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could be interpreted as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s attempts to maintain its reputation, it’s worth noting that the brand might not have been harmed by the test results after all. Earlier this month, a lawsuit filed against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand concerning glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action suit claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to the presence of trace amounts of the chemical. However, a judge dismissed the case, ruling that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In this context, the ongoing discussions about glyphosate may also intersect with the topic of calcium citrate, particularly as consumers become more health-conscious and scrutinize the ingredients in food products. As the demand for transparency grows, companies will be increasingly challenged to ensure their offerings, including those containing calcium citrate, meet consumer expectations while navigating the complexities of chemical use and safety.