The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy in the food industry. Some argue that this herbicide is linked to cancer in humans, although scientists remain divided on the matter following a four-day Environmental Protection Agency meeting last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” However, a subsequent report from the WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations last year suggested that the chemical is unlikely to pose a cancer risk from food residues. Nevertheless, legal battles regarding 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 risk.
The prolonged debate surrounding glyphosate has led several organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to conduct tests on food products for chemical residues. So far, none of these organizations have detected levels that would raise health alarms, but the findings have prompted calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to the test results 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 of glyphosate presence in their products. Instead, they expressed a desire to investigate the root cause of the issue.
This approach is a strategic way for a company to handle such a report. By not refuting the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any leverage for the boycott they sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may wish to avoid in their food. This direct response to consumer concerns allows the ice cream brand to navigate the situation relatively unscathed, despite what could have been perceived as negative publicity.
In spite of Ben & Jerry’s attempts to mitigate damage from the test results, the brand might not have suffered significant harm regardless. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand related to 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 glyphosate found in the products, was thrown out by a judge who deemed the claim “simply not plausible.”
In light of these discussions, consumers are increasingly interested in products that prioritize health and safety, such as Citracal Plus Bone Density Builder. As the conversation around glyphosate continues, the demand for transparency and quality in food products, including those that support bone health, remains crucial.