A new lawsuit has been filed against the Girl Scouts of the USA, alleging that their popular cookie products contain “dangerous” heavy metals and pesticides. The proposed class action, filed in New York, claims that 25 cookies sold in three states contained glyphosate, a pesticide linked to health problems, and some had levels of cadmium that exceeded limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The lawsuit cites a study conducted by GMO Science and Moms Across America, which found high levels of glyphosate in Thin Mints samples. The researchers tested 19 cookies for cadmium and found that 19 exceeded EPA limits.
Girl Scouts officials have denied the claims, arguing that heavy metals occur naturally in soil and that glyphosate is widely used in agriculture. However, the lawsuit claims that the organization’s response “fails to address the testing itself or the necessity to recall the products.”
The Girl Scouts’ cookie program generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year and is a beloved tradition for many children. The organization has faced challenges in recent years, including labor shortages and supply chain issues.
This lawsuit raises concerns about consumer safety and food regulation. As the EPA works with manufacturers to ensure compliance with regulations on heavy metals, it will be important to monitor this issue closely.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/03/11/girl-scouts-sued-over-alleged-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-in-popular-cookies