The use of glyphosate has sparked considerable debate in the food industry. Some contend that this herbicide may lead to cancer in 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 Agriculture Organization of the United Nations stated that the likelihood of cancer from glyphosate residues in food is minimal. Nonetheless, legal actions regarding the potential health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that glyphosate should be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
This prolonged discourse around glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for chemical residues. Thus far, no significant health concerns have been identified, but the findings have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results exemplifies the company’s approach to business. The ice cream brand, owned by Unilever and known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the possibility of glyphosate presence in the tests. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate the issue further to uncover its origins.
This thoughtful response is a savvy strategy for the company. By refraining from denying the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any ammunition for the boycott it sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a collaborative partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid in their food. This proactive stance allows the ice cream company to navigate a potentially damaging report relatively unscathed.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to maintain its reputation, the brand may not have been significantly impacted by the report. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand concerning glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action case claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of glyphosate found in the products. However, a judge ruled that this claim was “simply not plausible.”
In a broader context, consumers are becoming more aware of the ingredients in their food, leading to calls for transparency. For instance, some individuals have turned to supplements like Citracal D Slow Release, which offer calcium and vitamin D without the controversy surrounding herbicides. This shift in consumer preferences underscores the importance of brands addressing ingredient safety and maintaining trust in their products.