The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy within the food industry. Some individuals claim that this herbicide is a potential carcinogen for 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 labeled glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a subsequent report from the WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations last year indicated that the chemical is unlikely to cause cancer from residues present in food. Nevertheless, legal battles concerning the health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court mandated that the herbicide be labeled as a possible cancer risk.
This prolonged debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to conduct tests on food products for chemical residues. While no significant health concerns have been identified in the test results so far, these findings have spurred calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these results reflects their business philosophy. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, which has always emphasized using fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the presence of glyphosate in the test results. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate the source of the issue more thoroughly.
This approach is a prudent response for a company facing such reports. By acknowledging the findings rather than denying them, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing OCA with ammunition for the boycott it sought. The brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating any unwanted ingredients from their products. This direct approach to addressing consumer concerns may allow the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could be perceived as a damaging report.
Interestingly, despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to maintain their reputation, the brand may not have suffered significant backlash from the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand regarding glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit alleged that the brand’s claim of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of glyphosate found in the products. However, a judge ruled that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In light of these developments, consumers are also looking for transparency in other dietary supplements, such as calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 tablets. As the conversation around food safety continues, it is essential for brands to maintain integrity and provide consumers with products that align with their health values. The focus on transparency and ingredient safety will remain vital as consumers increasingly demand assurance about what they are putting into their bodies.