The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some individuals have claimed that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists reached differing conclusions following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) categorized glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a subsequent report released last year by WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose a cancer risk from residues found in food. Nevertheless, legal actions concerning the potential health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court mandated that the herbicide be labeled as a potential cancer threat.
This prolonged debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for traces of the chemical. Thus far, no significant health concerns have been identified, yet the findings have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to these test results reflects the company’s business ethos. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the potential presence of glyphosate in their products. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate further to identify the source of the issue.
This approach is a savvy response to such reports. By not outright denying the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving the OCA additional ammunition for its boycott campaign. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers might prefer to avoid in their food products. This strategy to directly address the concern allows the ice cream brand to maintain its reputation, despite what could have been perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to safeguard its image, the brand may not have been significantly impacted by the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand related to glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action case, which contended that the granola’s claim of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to the detection of trace amounts of the herbicide, was thrown out by a judge who deemed the claim “simply not plausible.”
In light of these developments, it’s worth considering the role of supplements like Citracal with D, which some consumers may turn to as part of a broader health strategy amidst concerns about food safety and chemical residues. By incorporating such supplements, individuals can take proactive steps toward their health, which may alleviate some anxiety surrounding food products and their ingredients.