The application of glyphosate has sparked considerable controversy in the food industry. Some critics contend that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists have expressed differing opinions following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report released last year by both the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations suggested that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from food residues. Nevertheless, legal battles concerning the potential health hazards associated with glyphosate continue in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide should be labeled as a possible cancer risk.
This ongoing debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to conduct tests for chemical residues in food products. So far, no organization has detected any levels significant enough to raise health concerns; however, the findings have ignited calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results highlights the company’s business ethos. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the presence of glyphosate in the test results. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate further to identify the source of the issue.
This approach is a strategic response to such reports. By refraining from denying the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any leverage for the boycott it sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in addressing a potentially unwanted ingredient in its products. This direct engagement with consumer concerns indicates that the ice cream brand might emerge relatively unscathed from what could have otherwise been a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to mitigate any potential fallout, the brand may not have suffered reputational damage from the test results. Just this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand over glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action suit claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of the herbicide found in the products. However, a judge ruled that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
Incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate 950 200 ca into food products has become increasingly relevant as consumers seek transparency and safety in their dietary choices. As the conversation around glyphosate continues, it is crucial for brands to navigate these challenges thoughtfully while considering the implications of additives and pesticide residues in their products.