The infamous Girl Scout cookies brand is being sued after a study found heavy metals beyond the safe limit in the cookies. Out of twenty-five cookies, four out of five contained heavy metals.
In December 2024, a study conducted by GMO Science and Moms Across America tested several cookie brands for metal contaminants. The results revealed that all but one of the cookies contained small amounts of glyphosate, a chemical found in highly toxic weed killers that are banned in many countries.
The Girl Scouts issued a public statement addressing recent accusations following the release of a study. They stated, “Our trusted baking partners continue the integrity of our recipes and the safety of all Girl Scout Cookie products in accordance with federal regulations and Global Food Safety Initiative standards.”
The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages for the buyers of the cookies and demands that the packaging inform consumers about the presence of metal. The Girl Scouts countered by stating that “glyphosate is found nearly everywhere in the food chain.” However, Attorney Vineet Dubey, who filed the lawsuit against Gerber, argued that the Girl Scouts are “buying inexpensive ingredients from sources that are known to have problems with polluted soil, air, and water.”
A study conducted by Benedette Cuffari, a senior research associate at Harvard, indicated that glyphosate is linked to several health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, senile dementia, inflammatory diseases, and thyroid and liver cancers. The study suggests that prolonged exposure through consumption can lead to a range of potentially harmful diseases.
“Small amounts of heavy metals can be found naturally in the environment, including food products, due to air, water, and soil exposure.” Girl Scouts told USA Today. These metals are not added to our Girl Scout Cookies. The defense argues that the study in question was not published in a scientific journal, has not been peer-reviewed, and utilized a small sample size, which raises concerns about the accuracy of the data.
The lawsuit references a study conducted by GMO Science and Moms Across America, which found that all of the tested cookies contained aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Additionally, 13 of the cookies tested positive for high levels of glyphosate. These substances pose significant risks, particularly for young children, as they can lead to brain damage and developmental issues.
Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, S’mores, and Caramel deLites have long been beloved favorites among cookie enthusiasts, especially during the annual Girl Scout cookie season. However, recent testing has raised concerns regarding the safety of these treats, as they have been found to have elevated levels of toxic metals. Thin Mints emerged with the highest levels of glyphosate, a widely used weed killer among farming communities.
Girl Scouts reassured the public that their cookies are safe for consumption, but customers have long been cautious since the lawsuit. The Girl Scouts added, “As a result, Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations.” But whether or not they remain able to sell is up to the consumers.
