Are Girls Scouts Cookies Safe For You?

Cookies and Girl Scouts. It is something we all grew up hearing about. We watched this on our favorite Rom Com. Where small girls sell cookies to fund their camps and trips. It reminds us of our childhood. However, recently two groups focused on food safety and environmental toxins sued Girl Scouts of America. The claim being that the cookies are tainted with pesticides and heavy metals.

These two groups are GMO Science and Moms Across America, who filed court documents on Monday in New York, based on a December 2024 study that tested 25 cookie sample in three states. The suit names Girl Scouts of the United States and the two bakers that produce cookies, namely ABC Bakers and Ferrero USA's Little Brownie Bakers.

Girl Scout cookies are a major fundraiser for the organization, with over a million members selling more than 200 million packages each year. The campaign generates nearly $1 billion annually, according to NPR. However, a recent lawsuit alleges that some of these cookies contain unsafe levels of heavy metals and a controversial chemical, raising concerns among consumers.

What Did The Study Say?

A study commissioned by two consumer advocacy groups found that several Girl Scout cookie varieties contained higher-than-recommended levels of at least four out of five heavy metals: arsenic, aluminum, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Additionally, the study reported the presence of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, in the cookies, particularly in the popular Thin Mints.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer, has been linked to health concerns by some advocacy groups. However, experts note that while it is commonly used in agriculture worldwide, its potential risk to public health remains a debated topic.

The Lawsuit and Consumer Concerns

A woman from Bayside, New York, who purchased Girl Scout cookies earlier this year, filed a lawsuit against the organization. She claims she was misled into believing the cookies were high-quality and safe, in line with the Girl Scouts' ethical business practices. According to the lawsuit, had she been aware of the alleged contamination, she either would not have bought the cookies or would have paid less for them.

The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages, citing violations of consumer protection and labeling laws.

Girl Scouts’ Response

The Girl Scouts addressed the concerns in a blog post, emphasizing that their cookies are safe and produced in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The organization explained that trace amounts of heavy metals are naturally present in soil and can be found in nearly all plant-based foods, including organic products.

The group reassured customers that food safety is their top priority and emphasized that their cookies meet industry regulations.

Heavy Metals in Food: A Broader Issue

This is not the first lawsuit involving heavy metals in food products. Several major chocolate manufacturers, including Hershey’s, have faced similar legal challenges. Experts acknowledge that prolonged exposure to high levels of heavy metals can pose health risks, but the extent of the danger in everyday food consumption is still under debate.

What Consumers Need to Know

While the lawsuit highlights concerns over food safety and labeling transparency, regulatory agencies continue to monitor and enforce standards for permissible levels of contaminants in food products. Consumers looking for more information on food safety can refer to FDA guidelines and scientific studies on the topic.

For now, the debate continues over whether the levels of heavy metals and glyphosate found in Girl Scout cookies pose a significant risk, and whether legal action will lead to changes in labeling or ingredient sourcing in the future.