The application of glyphosate has sparked significant debate in the food industry. Some individuals claim that the herbicide is linked to cancer in humans; however, scientific opinions remain divided following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization categorized glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report from the WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations last year indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from residues found in food. Nevertheless, legal disputes regarding the potential health dangers associated with glyphosate are ongoing in multiple courts. Earlier this year, a California court mandated that the herbicide must be labeled as a possible cancer risk.
This enduring controversy surrounding glyphosate has prompted various organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for glyphosate residues. To date, no organization has detected levels significant enough to raise health concerns; however, the findings have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to the test results is indicative of the company’s business ethos. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not refute the possibility of glyphosate presence in its products. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate further in order to identify the source of the issue.
This approach is a savvy strategy for a company facing such reports. By refraining from outright denial, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing 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. This open response to consumer concerns allows the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could otherwise be perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s careful handling of the situation, the brand may not have been significantly impacted by the test results in any case. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills regarding its Nature Valley granola brand over glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit, which claimed that the product’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was deceptive due to the presence of trace amounts of glyphosate, was rejected by a judge who deemed the claim “simply not plausible.”
In light of this ongoing discourse, it’s also worth mentioning that many consumers are increasingly turning to alternatives such as calcium citrate plus D3 for their dietary needs, seeking options that align with their health preferences. This trend reflects a growing awareness of food safety and ingredient transparency, which companies like Ben & Jerry’s must navigate carefully in order to maintain consumer trust and integrity in their brand.