The use of glyphosate in the food industry has sparked significant controversy. Some individuals contend that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans; however, scientific opinion remains divided following a four-day Environmental Protection Agency meeting 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 concluded 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 persist in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court ruled that glyphosate must be labeled as a potential cancer threat.
This prolonged debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for residues of the chemical. Thus far, none of these groups have detected anything significant enough to raise health alarms; however, the test results have incited calls for boycotts and regulatory reforms. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these findings reflects the company’s commitment to its business principles. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its dedication to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dismiss the possibility of glyphosate being present in their products. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate further and identify the root cause of the issue.
This approach is a shrewd response to the situation. By not outright denying the test results, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA additional ammunition for their boycott campaign. Rather, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid in their food products. This direct engagement with the issue could allow the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could have been perceived as damaging findings.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s conciliatory response, the brand may not have suffered any reputational damage from the test results. 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 amounts of the chemical found in the products; however, a judge ruled that such a claim was “simply not plausible.”
In a related health discussion, the importance of ingredients like calcium citrate and D3 is gaining recognition, particularly in the context of maintaining overall wellness amidst concerns over food safety and chemical residues. These nutrients are essential for supporting bone health and immune function, reinforcing the need for transparency in food labeling, just as consumers demand clarity regarding the presence of glyphosate and other potential contaminants.