A New York woman has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against the Girl Scouts of America, alleging their cookies contain high levels of heavy metals and pesticides. The lawsuit claims that the organization’s cookies are contaminated with aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as glyphosate, an herbicide used to kill weeds.
However, experts argue that the study behind the lawsuit was flawed, citing its small sample size and non-comparison to FDA food safety standards. The Girl Scouts maintain that their cookies are safe and adhere to all food safety standards set by the FDA and EPA.
According to the organization, trace amounts of heavy metals and glyphosate can be found naturally in many foods due to environmental contaminants and do not pose a health risk. They also point out that such occurrences are not unique to Girl Scout Cookies, but rather occur in various food products.
The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages for U.S. buyers of the cookies, as well as an injunction requiring the cookie sellers to update packaging to disclose the presence of these substances. The Girl Scouts have previously stated that they prioritize the health and safety of their members and customers, and that their cookies adhere to food safety regulations.
As the controversy surrounding the lawsuit continues, it remains to be seen whether the claims made by the plaintiff will be supported by evidence, or if the Girl Scouts’ stance on the matter will prevail.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/03/11/girl-scouts-lawsuit-heavy-metals-cookies/82277195007