The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some individuals contend that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientific opinions were split following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a subsequent report released last year by both the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from food residues. Nevertheless, legal actions concerning the potential health hazards of glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a court in California ruled that the herbicide must be labeled as a possible cancer threat.
This enduring debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for chemical residues. So far, none of these groups have identified anything significant enough to raise health concerns, yet the results have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to the test findings reflects the company’s business philosophy. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the possibility that glyphosate was detected in their products. Instead, the brand expressed its desire to investigate the issue further and identify the root cause.
This approach is a savvy way for a company to react to such reports. By refraining from denial, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any ammunition for the boycott they sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a cooperative partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid in their food. This proactive stance may enable the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed from what could otherwise be perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s strategic response, the brand may not have been significantly affected by the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand regarding glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action case, which 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, was thrown out by a judge who deemed the assertion “simply not plausible.”
In light of these developments, the importance of ensuring that food products, including those claiming kosher calcium citrate content, are free from unwanted chemicals has never been clearer. The ongoing scrutiny around glyphosate highlights the need for transparency and safety in food production. As consumers become more aware, brands will likely face increasing pressure to ensure that their offerings meet the standards expected by health-conscious individuals.