Ben & Jerry's and the Glyphosate Controversy
In 2017, Ben & Jerry's faced public scrutiny after test results from the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and other groups showed trace amounts of glyphosate in several ice cream flavors. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, was a consumer concern, particularly after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a 'probable human carcinogen'. Although Ben & Jerry's said levels were below regulatory standards and not an immediate health risk, the findings affected the company's brand image.
The discovery was problematic for a company promoting fair trade, non-GMO ingredients, and quality sourcing. The company addressed consumer concerns and announced policy changes. Their response was a two-part strategy with ingredient changes and supply chain improvements.
The 2020 Commitment: A Critical Deadline
Ben & Jerry's set a 2020 deadline to stop sourcing ingredients from crops chemically dried using glyphosate. This practice, or desiccation, is common in conventional farming for crops like oats and wheat, which are used in ice cream mix-ins such as cookie dough and baked goods. The commitment aimed to eliminate this specific glyphosate contamination pathway.
Beyond 2020: The Focus on Regenerative Agriculture
Since the 2020 deadline, Ben & Jerry's has focused on promoting systemic changes in its supply chain. The company's 'Caring Dairy' program has evolved to include regenerative agriculture practices. This approach improves soil health, increases biodiversity, and restores ecosystems. Regenerative farming creates a more sustainable agricultural system, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and herbicides.
Key pillars of Ben & Jerry's regenerative agriculture approach include:
- Feed and Cropping: Working with farmers to improve soil health and increase grass in the dairy cows' diet.
- Manure Management: Utilizing technologies like anaerobic digesters to capture methane from cow manure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating renewable energy.
- Pilot Projects: Collaborating with farmers and universities on projects to test new regenerative farming techniques.
Comparison of Sourcing Policies
A comparison of Ben & Jerry's ingredient sourcing before the 2017 controversy versus their policy post-2020 is below.
| Aspect | Pre-2017 Policy | Post-2020 Policy | Current Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-GMO Commitment | Transitioned plant-based ingredients to non-GMO by 2014. | Continued non-GMO sourcing, but dairy cows still fed conventional GMO grain. | Actively working to transition dairy animal feed to non-GMO and homegrown options. |
| Glyphosate Source | Uncontrolled sourcing, leading to trace amounts in ingredients from desiccated crops. | Explicitly stopped sourcing ingredients from crops dried with glyphosate. | Eliminated glyphosate-dried crops and working to reduce pesticide inputs overall. |
| Dairy Farming | Relied on conventional dairy farms, including those using GMO animal feed. | Introduced an organic dairy line in 2018 (representing a small fraction of sales). | Promoting regenerative agriculture through its Caring Dairy program. |
| Consumer Concerns | Addressed on an ad-hoc basis as issues arose. | Proactively changed sourcing and increased transparency regarding pesticide use. | Highlighting a shift towards a less chemically intensive and more transparent food system. |
Where Ben & Jerry's Stands Today
Do Ben & Jerry's products still contain glyphosate? The 2020 commitment was to stop sourcing ingredients from crops chemically dried with glyphosate. However, it is challenging to guarantee absolute glyphosate-free status for any non-organic product. Glyphosate is widespread, and trace amounts could enter through other means. Some conventional products may still contain traces, but policy changes were made to mitigate this.
For consumers seeking a product without synthetic herbicides, the organic line is the most reliable option, as organic certification prohibits glyphosate. However, the company's efforts focus on supporting farmers in regenerative practices, which reduces chemical use over time. The battle for a pesticide-free food system continues, and Ben & Jerry's role has evolved to a proactive approach through its regenerative agriculture initiatives.
Conclusion
Tests found glyphosate traces in Ben & Jerry's ice cream in 2017, and the company responded by committing to stop sourcing ingredients from glyphosate-dried crops by 2020. This was a major step. The brand has invested in regenerative agriculture across its dairy supply chain to reduce chemical inputs and improve environmental health. Although the standard products cannot be guaranteed to be 100% free of all environmental traces, the company's specific organic line is certified to be so. Ben & Jerry's is working towards a less chemically intensive food system, moving beyond reacting to consumer pressure toward proactive, long-term change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ben and Jerry's address the glyphosate issue?
Ben and Jerry's committed to stop sourcing ingredients from crops dried with glyphosate by 2020 and expanded its use of non-GMO and Fairtrade ingredients.
Was the amount of glyphosate found in Ben and Jerry's ice cream harmful?
The trace levels of glyphosate detected were below regulatory limits and not considered a health risk.
What is Ben and Jerry's current stance on pesticides?
Ben and Jerry's is promoting less chemically intensive farming through its 'Caring Dairy' program and supporting regenerative agriculture.
Does Ben and Jerry's have an organic ice cream line?
Yes, Ben and Jerry's announced a new organic ice cream line, though it's a smaller portion of their total sales.
How can I find out what ingredients are in a specific Ben and Jerry's flavor?
Ingredient lists are available on the Ben and Jerry's website and on product packaging.
What is regenerative agriculture and how does Ben and Jerry's use it?
Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach that restores soil health and improves ecosystems. Ben & Jerry's supports it by funding research and supporting farmers in practices that reduce chemical dependency.
Can trace amounts of glyphosate still be found in food?
Yes, trace amounts of glyphosate can still be found in many food products due to its widespread use.
