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Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are Girl Scout Cookies Safe to Eat Amidst Heavy Metal Lawsuit?
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Girl Scout cookie season is here — if you drive around your neighborhood, you'll likely spot groups of kids in uniforms, ready to sell boxes of cookies. The Girl Scouts of America organization, founded in 1912, has evolved but remains focused on empowering youth to take risks and build agency. A key part of this mission is its entrepreneurial program, which teaches kids important life skills as they sell treats like Samoas and Thin Mints to eager customers. However, in recent weeks these beloved baked goods have faced controversy with claims of toxic ingredients. And just a few days ago, those concerns escalated to a serious lawsuit. Here's what we know: On March 10, 2025, Amy Mayo, a woman from New York, filed a federal lawsuit against the Girl Scouts of America organization, along with cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods. She claims they are selling cookies containing heavy metals and herbicides. The lawsuit draws its fuel from a study funded by Moms Across America and GMO Science, which found that 100 percent of the cookies tested contained traces of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Additionally, the findings show that 13 cookie flavors had high levels of the herbicide glyphosate. It's important to note that this study hasn't been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal and relies on a small sample size. So the Kitchn spoke with Wade Syers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University, to get a clearer understanding of whether there's really cause for concern. More importantly, we wanted to know if people should think twice before buying Girl Scout cookies. Syers emphasizes that the claim of Girl Scout cookies being contaminated with heavy metals and herbicides is a serious one. 'Exposure to lead could cause lowered IQ, nervous system damage, slowed growth, hearing problems, and other issues,' he says. However, he notes that the likelihood of these symptoms would depend on the specific contaminant, how much is present, and how long someone is exposed. When asked if he'd buy a box of Thin Mints or Samoas, Syers said, 'At this point, I'm not too concerned.' With years of experience in food safety, he explains, 'There has not been a recall issued, and there are safety mechanisms in place that check for dangerous levels of contaminants. For instance, the FDA has a pesticide residue monitoring program that ensures many foods do not exceed limits.'Last month, when reports surfaced about the possibility of the cookies being tainted with toxic materials, the Girl Scouts of America responded in a press release, saying, 'The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority. Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.' The organization also pointed out that its iconic treats are made with ingredients that meet food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities. We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing Le Creuset Launched a Pan That's Perfect for Everything from Stews to Stir-Fry — and It's Already on Sale Ball Just Dropped the Most Beautiful Mason Jars for Its 140th Anniversary ("So Iconic!") Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Girl Scouts Is Being Sued After Tests Find Cookies Allegedly Contain Heavy Metals and Pesticides
The annual excitement over Girl Scout Cookie season took an unexpected turn this year when a viral report alleged that the beloved treats contain heavy metals and pesticides. The claim was initially met with skepticism, but has now escalated into legal action, leaving consumers questioning the safety of the iconic cookies. The controversy began when two consumer groups, Moms Across America and GMO Science, conducted a study analyzing 25 cookie samples from California, Iowa, and Louisiana. The report, which was published in December, claimed that 100% of the tested samples contained detectable levels of heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, lead, and mercury, as well as pesticides including glyphosate. In response, the Girl Scouts of the USA quickly issued a statement on Feb. 6, posting an online response titled "An Important Update for Our Members and Supporters." The statement reassured customers that the cookies are fully safe for consumption. 'A recent report claimed that our Girl Scout Cookies contain certain levels of glyphosate and heavy metals. We want to address these allegations and share the facts,' the organization stated on its website. The Girl Scouts explained that environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, occur naturally in soil, meaning that trace amounts can be found in many plant-based foods. It also noted that glyphosate is commonly present in agricultural environments. Additionally, small amounts of heavy metals can enter processed foods through exposure to air, water, or soil. In summary, this isn't a Girl Scout Cookie-specific issue—it's simply a reality of the global food supply chain. But the issue wasn't been put to rest. Instead, the controversy has now moved into the legal arena. On March 10, a New York woman filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court, citing the Moms Across America and GMO Science study. According to USA Today, the lawsuit alleges that Girl Scout Cookies contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and pesticides, and accuses the Girl Scouts of making false claims about the quality and safety of its products to the public. The plaintiff, Amy Mayo, is seeking $5 million in damages on behalf of consumers nationwide who purchased the cookies. The lawsuit also calls for the Girl Scouts and its bakeries—Ferrero and ABC Baker—to state the presence of these substances on cookie packaging, arguing that Mayo and other consumers would not have bought the cookies had known this information. Now, it's important to note that the commissioned study has not been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, and it relied on a relatively small sample size. Additionally, it references safety limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which differ from the food safety standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the lawsuit will likely spark more in-depth research into the cookies across all states. As the case develops, consumers and legal experts alike will be watching closely to see whether these claims hold up in court—or if the Girl Scouts' cookies can maintain their trusted reputation. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Girl Scout Cookies are heading to court
The typically tranquil spring ritual of green-clad Girl Scouts selling Samoas and Thin Mints has been rocked by drama this year. Queens resident Amy Mayo filed a class action lawsuit in federal court this week claiming the three boxes of cookies she bought were contaminated with heavy metals that included aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. The lawsuit was based on research conducted by GMOScience and Moms Across America, which claims the testing was conducted on 13 different types of Girl Scout Cookies collected in the middle-to-latter portions of 2024 from California, Iowa, and Louisiana. The study — which has not been peer reviewed, but gained attention on TikTok — claimed 100% of the samples were positive for toxic metals. According to the fact-checking outlet Snopes, the heavy metals allegedly detected within the cookies were 'at levels well within' guidelines set by U.S. regulators. The outlet, citing public health experts who examined the study, went on to say that a child would need to consume thousands upon thousands of cookies per day to get close to 'harmful levels.' In a general post on environmental contaminants that's unrelated to the lawsuit, the FDA said it prioritizes arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury 'due to their potential to cause harm during times of active brain development—in the womb through early childhood.' These heavy metals can 'occur naturally in the environment and are often at higher levels from past industrial uses and pollution,' the FDA wrote. Adding to the intrigue, Mayo quietly withdrew from her lawsuit this week. However, the case still remains active with other plaintiffs. Mayo's lawyers did not respond to a Quartz request for comment as to why she withdrew. Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts of the USA have refuted the allegations. As the lawsuit plays out, and in the spirit of the Spring cookie season, we are ranking our favorite Girl Scout cookies. Who can resist these cookies, which are described as crisp with caramel, coconut, and chocolaty stripes ? Apparently, no one at Quartz, because this — by our informal newsroom poll — is the lead cookie. In hindsight, maybe they also sport a pleasant metallic zing? These iconic cookies scored high in the newsroom. These are crisp, chocolate cookies dipped in a delicious, mint-chocolaty coating. Quartz executive editor, Sarah Douglass, recommends storing them in the freezer. (Pro tip: Don't do what this writer did and store them on your kitchen window sill in the sun.) The voting gets a little murkier after the first two, but a timeless shortbread dubbed Trefoils appears to occupy a definite place of fondness among Quartz staffers and the American public. Fun fact: In French, 'tre foils' translates to three foils! These magnetic icing-topped round shortbread wonders also received a fair share of votes among Quartz staffers. They're a refreshing, magnetic cookie as warmer weather approaches. This oatmeal-peanut butter cookie didn't garner a ton of votes, but it has its devoted following. This is a peanut-butter patty drenched in chocolate — and drenched with fandom in the Quartz newsroom. This whole poll is given more credibility by the fact that one of our own — reporter Madeline Fitzgerald — was once a Girl Scout (once a scout, always a scout?) who says she always got the prize for selling the most cookies. She leavened her achievement with modesty: 'but it was primarily because when we sold them at the grocery store or whatever,' Fitzgerald said. This peculiar treat garnered one lonely vote, but if more people tried it — billed as an indulgent, brownie-inspired cookie topped with caramel-flavored crème with a hint of sea salt — it might have gotten more votes! Rounding out the list, how can you go wrong with S'mores? Lemon-Ups, Toast-Yays, Toffee-tastic, and Caramel Chocolate Chip — you didn't make the cut, but perhaps Quartz reporters will indulge in some additional 'research' to gauge whether those flavors are worthy of inclusion next time there's a lawsuit. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are Girl Scout Cookies Safe? A Lawsuit Raises Concerns Over ‘Dangerous Toxins'
Girl Scouts of America is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit that claims its cookies contain heavy metals and pesticides. According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday against Girl Scouts of America and its cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods. The lawsuit is led by Amy Mayo out of New York State. Specifically, the lawsuit calls out a 2024 study commissioned by Moms Across America and GMO Science, which tested the cookies for toxic metals and the herbicide glyphosate/AMPA. According to the findings, "100% of the samples were positive for glyphosate, 100% were positive for toxic metals, 22 out of 25 (88%) of samples were positive for all five toxic metals, 76% were positive for levels of cadmium that exceed EPA limits in water, and 24 out of 25 (96%) of samples were positive for lead." Related: A Highly Subjective Ranking of the Best Girl Scout Cookies In the lawsuit, Mayo says she would have either paid "substantially less" or not purchased the cookies at all had the organization disclosed the "dangerous toxins." However, it's critical to note that this study was not peer-reviewed, nor was it published in a scientific or academic journal that will call for that kind of rigorous background. It also had a very small sample size, testing and purchasing only 25 cookies across three states: California, Iowa, and Louisiana. Furthermore, as USA Today pointed out, the study compared the levels of heavy metals and glyphosate to Environmental Protection Agency standards, rather than those set by the Food and Drug Administration. Still, it was enough to persuade a class-action suit. "While the entire sales practice system for Girl Scout Cookies is built on a foundation of ethics and teaching young girls sustainable business practices, defendants failed to uphold this standard themselves," the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages to be paid to U.S. buyers and an injunction requiring Girl Scouts to add disclosures to its packaging. Related: Are Stanley Cups Safe to Use? We're Settling the Debate While Girl Scouts hasn't commented on the lawsuit, it did reply to the study in a February blog post, noting, "The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority. Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume." It added that its cookies are made with "ingredients that adhere to food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities." It also added that these contaminants are often found in the environment, which "does not mean that these foods are harmful to consume." "The Girl Scout Cookie Program is about more than a sweet treat. It teaches Girl Scouts to think critically, build confidence, and use the skills of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business ethics in the real world," It added. "And remember: every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies powers life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts right in your local community. Visit to support a troop in your area." Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Girl Scouts Face Lawsuit Over Heavy Metals & Toxins Allegedly Present In Cookies
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Now that we're deep into Girl Scout cookie season, troops from across the country are hitting the pavement with the hopes of selling Thin Mints, Trefoils, Tagalongs, and other cookies to the masses. But according to a frightening new lawsuit, those cookies could allegedly be tainted with a number of toxic ingredients. Amy Mayo, a New York woman, has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Girl Scouts of America that alleges that their cookies contain heavy metal and toxins. The lawsuit cites the "Danger in the Dough" study that was commissioned by the consumer groups Moms Across America and GMO Science. The study, published in December of last year, said that 100% of the Girl Scout cookies tested contained aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Additionally, all cookies tested were positive for glyphosate, a widely used herbicide that is harmful to humans. In their report, they specifically listed the following findings: 100% of the samples were positive for glyphosate 100% were positive for toxic metals 22 out of 25 (88%) of samples were positive for all 5 toxic metals 76% were positive for levels of cadmium that exceed Environmental Protection Agency' (EPA) limits in water 24 out of 25 (96%) of samples were positive for lead Upon reaching the end of their study, the group's request to speak with Girl Scouts of America allegedly went unanswered. "After the testing was completed (and before releasing the results of the testing), the groups which commissioned the testing reached out to Girl Scouts in order to discuss the findings but never received any sort of response," the lawsuit states. However, as Forbes notes, the study was not published in a scientific journal and was not peer-reviewed. Further, the outlet reports, "the research tested just 25 cookie samples from three states, a small sample size that doesn't necessarily reflect contamination levels nationwide." The study detected trace amounts of glyphosate and heavy metals. However, it did not compare these findings to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) food safety standards. Instead, it referenced the EPA's water safety limits, which are not relevant to food and can potentially exaggerate the perceived risks. Additionally, the lawsuit calls out the Girl Scouts of America for allegedly making false claims about the safety and quality of their cookies in marketing materials and packaging. Even the company's ethics were mentioned in the lawsuit. "While the entire sales practice system for Girl Scout Cookies is built on a foundation of ethics and teaching young girls sustainable business practices, Defendants failed to uphold this standard themselves and failed as well to address the concerns raised in the laboratory testing that took place," the lawsuit continued. In total, the lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages to be awarded to U.S. buyers. In addition to this sum, the lawsuit seeks to have the Girl Scouts of America update its packaging to disclose the presence of the alleged toxic substances. The Girl Scouts of America did previously respond to claims of toxic ingredients in its cookies with "An Important Update for Our Members and Supporters." The message, posted to its website, confirmed that their cookies "are safe to consume." Delish has reached out for further comment but we have not heard back. News of Mayo's lawsuit comes just weeks after several TikTok videos about the alleged heavy metals and toxins in Girl Scout cookies went viral. One video, which has received well over 50,000 views, showed one creator tossing a container of Thin Mints in the trash after discovering "the truth about what's in Girl Scout cookies." You Might Also Like Insanely Easy Weeknight Dinners To Try This Week 29 Insanely Delicious Vodka Cocktails
