The Glyphosate Controversy of 2017
In July 2017, a report by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) created a stir by announcing that independent lab tests had found traces of glyphosate in 10 of 11 Ben & Jerry's flavors sampled. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, one of the most widely used herbicides in agriculture globally. The levels detected were measured in parts per billion (ppb) and were extremely low, with Chocolate Fudge Brownie having the highest concentration at 1.74 ppb. The one flavor that tested negative was Cherry Garcia.
Ben & Jerry's swiftly addressed the issue, confirming that their products were safe to eat and that the detected levels were far below all allowable U.S. and European standards. They pointed out that glyphosate's widespread use means trace amounts can be found in many foods, and that their suppliers used ingredients like cookies and peanut butter that may contain small amounts. The company acknowledged consumer desire to limit chemicals and stated their ongoing commitment to transitioning to non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) ingredients, a process they began in 2014 for plant-based ingredients.
The Role of Carrageenan as a Stabilizer
Beyond the headline-grabbing pesticide issue, Ben & Jerry's has also long used carrageenan in its ice cream. Carrageenan is a stabilizer and thickener derived from red seaweed or Irish moss. Its purpose is to bond with water molecules and prevent the growth of ice crystals, which helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture during storage and distribution, despite temperature fluctuations.
While considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) at normal consumption levels, carrageenan has faced scrutiny. The primary concern revolves around degraded carrageenan, or poligeenan, which is potentially carcinogenic and distinct from the food-grade version. Critics have argued that food-grade carrageenan might contain trace amounts of the degraded form or that acidic stomach conditions could cause it to degrade in the body. Ben & Jerry's, however, maintains that its use of food-grade carrageenan in small amounts does not compromise the product's overall quality.
Natural vs. Conventional Ice Cream Ingredients
The debate over these ingredients often highlights the distinction between conventionally and sustainably sourced products. The glyphosate traces underscore the challenges of shielding even 'socially conscious' brands from the realities of the broader food supply chain.
Ingredient comparison: Natural claims vs. controversial reality
| Ingredient Category | Ben & Jerry's Stated Practices | Controversial Findings/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Sources from family farms using cage-free eggs and committed to reducing methane emissions. | Some dairy sourcing reportedly from conventional, factory-style farms. |
| Flavorings & Mix-ins | Transitioned plant-based ingredients to non-GMO sourcing. | Additives and sourcing can introduce chemicals like glyphosate from non-dairy ingredients. |
| Stabilizers | Uses naturally derived carrageenan to prevent ice crystals and maintain texture. | Consumer concerns exist regarding potential links between carrageenan and inflammation. |
Addressing Consumer Concerns: The Path Forward
The 2017 glyphosate report and ongoing conversations about additives like carrageenan prompted Ben & Jerry's to reaffirm its commitment to ingredient transparency and sustainable practices.
- Continued Non-GMO Efforts: The brand emphasized its ongoing work with suppliers to further reduce exposure to GMOs and associated chemicals, aiming to move as far away as possible from such sourcing.
- Advocacy for Transparency: The controversy spurred greater awareness and activism, pushing not only Ben & Jerry's but also the wider food industry toward more transparent ingredient sourcing and labeling.
- Focus on Core Values: While defending their product safety, Ben & Jerry's chose to remove some explicit 'all-natural' claims and refocus on other core values, such as fair-trade sourcing and social missions.
Conclusion: A Complex Picture of Responsibility
The question of what chemical did Ben and Jerry's have is not a simple one, revealing the complex landscape of the modern food industry. The presence of minute traces of glyphosate, while well within regulatory safety thresholds, highlights how agricultural practices impact even purpose-driven companies. The use of carrageenan, a food industry staple, brings to light the consumer scrutiny of common additives, regardless of their 'natural' derivation. Ultimately, the events pushed the brand toward greater ingredient transparency and reinforced the power of consumer advocacy in shaping corporate practices. While a pint of Ben & Jerry's remains safe to enjoy, the controversies served as a valuable reminder for consumers to remain informed about what's in their food and where it comes from.
For more on the use of additives in food production, see the Food and Agriculture Organization's comprehensive guide on carrageenan and other seaweed-derived products.
