The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy within the food industry. Some critics claim 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 (WHO) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report from WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations stated that the likelihood of cancer from glyphosate residues in food is low. Despite this, numerous lawsuits regarding the potential health risks associated with glyphosate are still ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a court in California determined that glyphosate should be labeled as a possible cancer risk.
The prolonged discussion surrounding glyphosate has led several organizations—such as the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project—to test food products for glyphosate residues. So far, none of these organizations have found levels significant enough to raise health alarms, yet the findings have incited calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to the testing results illustrates the company’s commitment to its principles. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its emphasis on fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not contest the possibility that glyphosate was present in their products. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate the issue further to identify its source.
This approach is a savvy way for a company to react to such reports. By not dismissing the findings outright, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing the OCA with ammunition for the boycott it sought. Rather, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid in their food. This direct engagement with the issue could allow the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, even in light of what could be perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s proactive stance, the brand may not have sustained any significant damage from the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand concerning glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit argued that the product’s claim of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace levels of glyphosate being detected. However, a judge ruled that this claim was “simply not plausible.”
In the midst of these controversies, it’s worth noting the importance of consumer awareness regarding food safety. For instance, including adequate nutrients like 1000 mg calcium citrate in diets can be part of a holistic approach to health. The ongoing discussions about glyphosate highlight the need for transparency and accountability within the food production system, as consumers increasingly seek products that align with their health and wellness ideals.