The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy within the food industry. Some claim that this herbicide may lead to cancer in humans, yet scientists remain divided on the matter following a four-day Environmental Protection Agency meeting 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 cause cancer from food residues. Nevertheless, lawsuits regarding the potential health risks associated with glyphosate are still ongoing in various courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide should be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
The ongoing debate surrounding glyphosate has prompted several organizations, including OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for chemical residues. So far, no significant health concerns have been identified, but the findings have led to calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results speaks volumes about its business practices. The Unilever-owned ice cream brand, known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome, and natural ingredients, did not deny the presence of glyphosate in the test results. Instead, the company expressed its intention to investigate the issue further.
This approach is a savvy way for a company to handle such reports. By not disputing the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided giving OCA any ammunition to fuel the boycott it sought. Instead, the brand positioned itself as a proactive partner in eliminating an ingredient that consumers may prefer to avoid in their food products. This direct response to consumer concerns suggests that the ice cream brand could emerge relatively unscathed despite what could have been viewed as a damaging report.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s strategic response, the brand may not have been significantly affected by the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand regarding glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit claimed that the product’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was misleading due to trace amounts of the chemical found in the products. However, a judge ruled that this claim was “simply not plausible.”
In the broader context of food safety, products like Citracal Petite Calcium, which focus on providing essential nutrients, highlight the importance of transparency and consumer trust. As the industry grapples with the implications of glyphosate and similar concerns, companies will need to prioritize clarity and responsiveness, ensuring that their products are both safe and aligned with consumer expectations.