The application of glyphosate has sparked intense controversy in the food industry. Some critics argue that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans; however, scientific opinions on the matter have been divided following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” yet a subsequent report from the WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations suggested that the chemical is unlikely to pose cancer risks from food residues. Despite this, legal disputes regarding the health risks associated with glyphosate persist in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court ruled that the herbicide must be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
This ongoing debate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for glyphosate residues. So far, no significant health concerns have been identified, but the results have ignited calls for boycotts and regulatory reforms. In response, Ben & Jerry’s has taken a thoughtful approach to the findings. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh and natural ingredients, did not outright deny the presence of glyphosate in the test results. Instead, the company expressed a desire to investigate the issue further.
This strategy allows Ben & Jerry’s to sidestep criticism while presenting itself as a proactive partner in addressing consumer concerns about unwanted ingredients in food products. As a result, the ice cream brand may emerge relatively unscathed from what could otherwise be perceived as a damaging report. Interestingly, despite the controversy surrounding glyphosate, the brand’s reputation remains intact, especially in light of a recent lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand concerning glyphosate. The judge dismissed the class-action case, which claimed that the product’s labeling as “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace glyphosate levels found, ruling that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In the broader context of health and nutrition, the price of products such as calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets has also come under scrutiny as consumers increasingly seek transparency in ingredient sourcing and safety. The interplay of these health-related issues underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and responsible marketing practices in the food industry.