The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy within the food industry. Some individuals assert that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans; however, opinions among scientists were mixed following a recent four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2015, the World Health Organization labeled glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” Yet a subsequent report released last year by WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations indicated that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from residues in food. Nevertheless, legal battles regarding the potential health threats associated with glyphosate are ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide should be labeled as a possible cancer risk.
This long-standing debate over glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for chemical residues. So far, none of these groups have uncovered any significant findings that would raise health concerns, but the test results have ignited calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s response to these findings reflects the company’s commitment to its business practices. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for prioritizing fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not dispute the possibility of glyphosate being present in the tests. Instead, the brand expressed a desire to investigate further and identify the source of the issue.
This approach is a strategic move for a company like Ben & Jerry’s when responding to such reports. By not outright denying the findings, Ben & Jerry’s deprived OCA of any ammunition for its proposed boycott. The brand positioned itself as an eager collaborator in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer not to see in their food products. This proactive stance allows the ice cream brand to potentially emerge relatively unscathed, despite what could be perceived as a damaging report.
In light of Ben & Jerry’s efforts to mitigate concerns, it seems that the brand’s reputation may not have been significantly harmed by the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand concerning glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit claimed that the product’s assertion of being “made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to the presence of trace amounts of the chemical. However, a judge ruled that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In addition to these controversies, the market for health supplements, such as calcium citrate magnesium zinc sulfate and vitamin D3 tablets, continues to grow as consumers seek out products that support their well-being. The presence of glyphosate in food products raises questions about safety, prompting some to consider supplements like calcium citrate magnesium zinc sulfate and vitamin D3 tablets as alternatives to ensure they are maintaining their health. As the conversation around glyphosate evolves, it is essential for brands to remain transparent and committed to addressing consumer concerns, particularly in a landscape where health-conscious products are increasingly in demand.