A New York woman has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against the Girl Scouts of America and cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods (ABC Bakers), alleging that the organization’s popular cookies contain harmful levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Monday, seeks $5 million in damages for U.S. consumers and an injunction to force cookie sellers to update packaging to disclose the presence of these substances.
The lawsuit references a study commissioned by Moms Across America and GMO Science that tested Girl Scout Cookies for heavy metals and chemicals. According to the study, 100% of the cookies tested contained harmful levels of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and glyphosate, an herbicide commonly used in farming. The study also found 13 cookies tested positive for high levels of glyphosate, a weedkiller.
However, the study has faced criticism for its small sample size and its reliance on EPA water safety limits for comparison instead of FDA food safety standards, which many experts argue is inappropriate for food.
The study was not peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, casting doubt on the validity of its findings. Despite these issues, the study gained significant attention, especially after Joe Rogan mentioned it on his popular podcast, which helped spread the allegations on TikTok and other social media platforms.
The lawsuit echoes the findings from the study, claiming that Girl Scout Cookies contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and pesticides. It accuses the organization of misleading consumers through its marketing materials, which claim that the cookies are safe to consume.
Amy Mayo, the woman behind the lawsuit, argues that had she known about the potential toxins, she would not have purchased the cookies.
The legal action also accuses the defendants of unjust enrichment through the sale of the "contaminated" cookies and demands damages for U.S. buyers who may have unknowingly consumed harmful substances.
In response to the lawsuit, the Girl Scouts of America issued a statement in which they reassured consumers that their cookies are safe to eat. The organization stated that the cookies comply with FDA and EPA food safety regulations and that trace amounts of heavy metals and glyphosate are commonly found in a wide variety of foods due to environmental exposure.
According to the Girl Scouts, the substances in question are naturally occurring and do not pose any health risk when consumed. They also emphasized that their baking partners ensure the cookies’ integrity by adhering to Global Food Safety Initiative standards and federal regulations.
“Small amounts of heavy metals can be found naturally in the environment, including in food products due to exposure through air, water, and soil,” the statement reads. “These metals are not added to Girl Scout Cookies.”
The Girl Scouts also noted that glyphosate is commonly found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and baked goods, due to its widespread use in agriculture.
The lawsuit, which is still in its early stages, may raise important questions about food safety, consumer protection, and the responsibility of food manufacturers to disclose harmful substances. While the Girl Scouts maintain that their cookies are safe and adhere to all food safety guidelines, the growing public concern over potential contamination could have a lasting impact on the organization’s reputation.
As this case continues to develop, it’s clear that consumer trust in food products could be tested, especially when allegations of harmful chemicals arise in widely consumed products like Girl Scout Cookies.
