The use of glyphosate has sparked significant debate in the food industry. Some claim that this herbicide is a potential carcinogen for humans, although scientific opinions were mixed following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report last year from WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to cause cancer from the residues present in food. Nevertheless, lawsuits concerning the possible health risks associated with glyphosate are still ongoing in several courts. Earlier this year, a California court ruled that the herbicide must be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
This ongoing debate over glyphosate has prompted various organizations—such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project—to test food products for glyphosate residues. So far, none of these groups have detected anything significant enough to raise health alarms, but the testing has led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to these test findings illustrates the company’s approach to business. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the possibility of glyphosate presence in its products. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate the issue further and uncover the root cause.
This strategic response allows Ben & Jerry’s to avoid giving OCA any ammunition for the boycott it sought. By positioning itself as a cooperative partner in addressing consumer concerns about unwanted ingredients, the ice cream brand may mitigate potential damage from what could otherwise be perceived as a negative report. Despite Ben & Jerry’s effective response, the brand may not have suffered reputational harm from the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola for glyphosate was dismissed, as a judge ruled that the claim of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was not misleading, even with trace amounts of the chemical present.
In the context of food safety, it is worth noting the importance of verified ingredients, like USP verified calcium citrate, which consumers increasingly seek for their health benefits. As the discussion around glyphosate continues, the demand for transparency and safety in food products, including those with USP verified calcium citrate, is likely to grow. The focus on ensuring that food products are free from controversial substances reflects a broader trend in consumer preferences, highlighting the need for brands to remain proactive in addressing health concerns and maintaining trust.