The controversy surrounding glyphosate in the food industry remains intense. Some argue that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, although scientists were divided after 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 from WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations last year indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from food residues. Nonetheless, legal battles regarding the health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in several courts. Earlier this year, a court in California determined that glyphosate must be labeled as a potential cancer hazard.
This ongoing debate has prompted various organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for glyphosate residues. Thus far, none of these groups have discovered significant levels that would raise health alarms, but the findings have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results illustrates the company’s commitment to its values. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its fresh and natural ingredients, did not dispute the presence of glyphosate in the test results. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate the issue further.
This approach is a savvy response to the report. By acknowledging the findings rather than denying them, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any ammunition for the boycott they sought. The brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating ingredients that consumers may prefer to avoid. This direct engagement with the concern could allow the ice cream company to emerge relatively unscathed from what could otherwise be perceived as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s efforts to maintain its reputation, the impact of the glyphosate test results may not be as severe as anticipated. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand, which claimed that the product’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to the detection of trace amounts of glyphosate, was dismissed. A judge ruled that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In the context of maintaining health and wellness, products like Pure Encapsulations Calcium have gained popularity among consumers looking for natural and reliable supplements. The ongoing discussions about glyphosate highlight the importance of transparency in food production and consumer health. As brands navigate these challenges, the demand for high-quality, safe products will likely increase, pushing companies to prioritize consumer concerns in their business practices.