The application of glyphosate has sparked significant debate in the food industry. Some have suggested that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans; however, opinions among scientists were mixed following a four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency last year. In 2015, the World Health Organization designated glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” but a subsequent report from the 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. Despite this, legal actions concerning the possible health risks associated with glyphosate are ongoing in multiple courts. Earlier this year, a California court determined that the herbicide must be labeled as a potential cancer risk.
This prolonged discussion surrounding glyphosate has prompted various organizations, such as OCA, Food Democracy Now, and The Detox Project, to test food products for glyphosate residues. So far, none of these groups have discovered levels significant enough to raise health alarms, yet the findings have spurred calls for boycotts and regulatory changes. Ben & Jerry’s reaction to these test results illustrates the company’s business philosophy. 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 company expressed a desire to investigate the issue further, showcasing a proactive approach.
This strategy is a clever response to such reports. By not denying the findings, Ben & Jerry’s avoided providing OCA with ammunition for the boycott it sought. The brand positioned itself as a cooperative entity eager to eliminate an ingredient that consumers might prefer to avoid in their food products. This direct approach to addressing concerns may allow the ice cream brand to emerge relatively unscathed from what could have been a damaging narrative.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s attempt to mitigate any reputational damage, it appears that the brand may not have suffered significantly from the test results. Earlier this month, a lawsuit against General Mills’ Nature Valley granola brand related to glyphosate was dismissed. The class-action lawsuit claimed that the granola’s assertion of being “Made with 100% Natural Oats” was deceptive due to the detection of trace amounts of the chemical. However, a judge dismissed the case, stating that the claim was “simply not plausible.”
In the midst of this controversy, products like bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate continue to be scrutinized for their ingredients and safety. The dialogue around glyphosate also extends to the selection of dietary supplements, as consumers increasingly prioritize transparency and health. As the discussion evolves, the presence of substances like bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate in the market highlights the need for companies to be forthright about their ingredient sourcing and potential contaminants. The ongoing scrutiny of glyphosate and its implications for public health will likely influence consumer choices and regulatory measures for years to come.