Lawsuit Claims Heavy Metals and Pesticides Found in Girl Scout Cookies, Seeks $5M in Damages
A lawsuit filed against Girl Scouts of the USA claims their cookies contain concerning levels of heavy metals and pesticides, based on testing conducted by consumer groups GMOScience and Moms Across America in 2024.
Two boxes of Thin Mints
The $5 million lawsuit, filed by New York resident Amy Mayo, alleges that all tested samples contained aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, along with traces of glyphosate pesticide. The testing examined 25 cookies from California, Iowa, and Louisiana, with each sample containing at least four out of five heavy metals.
Girl Scouts of the USA denies these allegations, stating their cookies comply with all federal food safety regulations. They explain that trace amounts of heavy metals occur naturally in soil, and glyphosate is commonly found in agricultural products but not intentionally added to cookies.
Key Points of Contention:
- The study compared results to EPA water safety standards rather than FDA food safety regulations
- Experts note that certain levels of pesticide and metal residues are permitted in food by FDA and USDA
- The FDA has not issued any recalls for Girl Scout Cookies
- The lawsuit targets both Girl Scouts and their manufacturers, Ferrero and ABC Bakers
The case has sparked widespread debate, with some consumers calling for boycotts while others question the validity of the testing methodology. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on scientific evidence and regulatory standards, potentially affecting how Girl Scout Cookies are tested, labeled, and marketed in the future.
The controversy impacts the organization's $1 billion cookie industry, though experts emphasize that permitted traces of these substances in food products are deemed safe by regulatory authorities. The outcome of this lawsuit could influence future food safety standards and testing procedures for similar products.