The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some claim that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists remained divided after 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 indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from residues found in food. Nevertheless, legal cases concerning the potential health risks associated with glyphosate persist in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court mandated that the herbicide be labeled as a potential cancer hazard.
The ongoing debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for chemical residues. Although no significant health risks have been identified in these tests, the results have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these findings is indicative of their business philosophy. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not contest that glyphosate may have been detected in the tests. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate the issue further to pinpoint the source of the problem.
This approach is a savvy response from the company. By not disputing the report, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any ammunition for the boycott it sought. Rather, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers might prefer to avoid. This direct engagement with the concern allows the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, even in light of what could be perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s seemingly prudent response, it is possible that the brand’s reputation remains intact regardless of the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand concerning glyphosate was dismissed. This class-action case claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to the presence of trace amounts of glyphosate. However, a judge determined that this claim was “simply not plausible.”
In this context, it’s also worth mentioning calcium citrate, a compound often associated with dietary supplements. Many consumers may wonder, “calcium citrate untuk apa?” or “what is calcium citrate used for?” It is commonly utilized to improve calcium absorption and support bone health, which might lead some to consider its relevance alongside discussions of food safety and ingredient transparency. The intersection of these topics highlights the importance of consumer awareness regarding what is in their food, including the potential presence of glyphosate and the health benefits of other compounds like calcium citrate.