![Ben & Jerry's threatened with boycotts because of weed killer ingredient [Image: flickr.com]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/7/26/660x290/b_502x220x82/ben-jerrys-threatened-with-boycotts-because-of-weed-killer-ingredient-image-flickrcom_1468839.jpg "Ben & Jerry's threatened with boycotts because of weed killer ingredient [Image: flickr.com]")
Ben & Jerry's is a popular brand of ice cream known for its original flavors. In recent days, the company has come under fire and has been threatened with boycotts because the same ingredient in weed killers was found in its ice cream. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that thorough testing was done and it was discovered in 10 of 11 samples.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the main ingredient in weed killers. The amount found in the cream was well below the level that could do harm to consumers, but nobody wants to eat it no matter how small the dosage.
Besides, the Organic Consumers Association contends that the weed killer ingredient could be dangerous and had called for the company to stop putting "all natural" on its labels. Unless this happens, the OCA is encouraging organic and natural food stores to stop selling Ben & Jerry's products.
Not only were traces found in the ice cream itself, but the concerned chemical was also found in the some of the added ingredients. That means glyphosate had another way of getting into the ice cream.
Since finding out about glyphosate being in the ice cream, consumers are launching a national protest campaign and boycott against the company with headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont. The boycotts could go international also since Ben & Jerry's has locations around the world.
Is it dangerous?
A spokesperson for Ben & Jerry's has tried to assure the public that all the ice cream is safe to consume. The person said an adult would have to consume at least 290,000 eight-ounce servings every day to come close to the limit that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has set.
People on social media have responded that they do not want to eat ice cream that contains glyphosate.
Many have said they do will not buy Ben & Jerry's ice cream again. They believe there is no safe level of glyphosate for humans no matter what the regulations state.
There is a debate about the danger of the weed killer ingredient in ice cream, and the debate has not been settled. The World Health Organization said a couple of years ago that the weed killer had the potential to cause cancer.
Last month, Reuters reported that the scientific data it had studied did not fully support that claim.
While the debate continues, some customers say since there are so many other brands available they will choose one that does not include a weed killer ingredient. Consumers just don't like the idea that they are eating the same thing that kills weeds in their yard.
Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who opened the first shop in 1978, have not explained in detail their plan of action to stop any boycotts that are planned.
