Girl Scout Cookies Under Scrutiny: Heavy Metals, Herbicides, and a Lawsuit

The beloved Girl Scout cookie season has been clouded by controversy, following the release of a study indicating the presence of heavy metals and an herbicide in the iconic treats. The findings, popularized by podcast host Joe Rogan and subsequently fueled by a lawsuit, have raised concerns about the safety and potential health risks associated with consuming the cookies.

The initial study, conducted by non-profit organizations Moms Across America and GMOScience, analyzed 25 samples of 13 different Girl Scout cookie varieties purchased from California, Iowa, and Louisiana. The results indicated the presence of multiple heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, in all cookie samples tested. Furthermore, a significant portion of the samples (88%) contained all five heavy metals, with 76% exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended cadmium levels for water. All samples tested positive for glyphosate, a widely used herbicide.

These findings led to a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in New York against the Girl Scouts of the USA and the cookie manufacturers, Ferrero USA’s Little Brownie Bakers and Interbake Foods (ABC Bakers). The lawsuit sought at least $5 million in damages for cookie buyers and demanded that the cookie packaging be updated to disclose the presence of the substances. The original plaintiff has since withdrawn, and the lawsuit is now being pursued by New York residents Danielle Barbaro and Judy Cholewa, who claim that testing revealed heavy metals and glyphosate in the cookies they purchased.

Moms Across America and GMOScience contend that the sale of cookies containing potentially toxic ingredients raises significant ethical and public health concerns. They assert that glyphosate and its byproducts are linked to various health issues, including cancer, endocrine disruption, gut problems, miscarriages, sperm damage, autism, neurotoxicity, and reproductive damage.

In response to these allegations, the Girl Scouts maintain that their cookies meet all food safety standards and regulations set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the EPA, and other relevant health authorities. They assert that these standards ensure the safety of food products for consumption, and that Girl Scout cookies are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations.

The FDA has established recommended lead levels for babies and young children and is developing similar levels for arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. However, the agency does not have specific suggested levels for the general population. Instead, the FDA states that its goal is to reduce the levels of contaminants such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury in food. For instance, the FDA’s action levels for lead in babies and young children are 10 parts per billion (ppb) in fruits and baby food and 20 ppb in dry infant cereals. According to the study, several Girl Scout cookies had lead levels exceeding 10 ppb, and three had levels exceeding 20 ppb.

The FDA acknowledges that heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are naturally present in the environment, but elevated levels can result from industrial processes and pollution. The levels found in foods depend on the amount a plant or animal absorbs from the environment. Heavy metals can potentially harm brain development in the womb and during early childhood, according to the FDA.

Glyphosate, the herbicide detected in the cookies, is commonly used to control weeds and grasses in agriculture. Trace amounts of glyphosate may be found in fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other food and drinks. The FDA and EPA maintain that low levels of glyphosate pose no risk to human health. However, some research has suggested a potential link between glyphosate exposure and increased risk of liver and kidney damage in animals, as well as an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among farmers and farm workers. Other studies have not found a connection.

Consumer protection and environmental attorney Vineet Dubey argues that the Girl Scouts’ assertion that their cookies are safe to eat feels like they are dodging the point. He believes that the presence of contaminants in the cookies indicates a lack of knowledge about their ingredients, which is worrisome, especially considering that young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure. While occasional consumption may pose minimal risk, Dubey recommends limiting intake of varieties with higher levels of contaminants, such as Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, S’mores, and Toffee-tastics.

Food safety attorney Bill Marler advises moderation in consuming Girl Scout cookies. He suggests that excessive consumption may be problematic, and parents of young children may want to limit their intake. Fact-checking site Snopes.com has stated that while high exposure to the chemicals found in the tests can potentially cause health issues if consumed in enormous quantities, the levels found within the samples are within the safety guidelines as outlined by the FDA, EPA, CDC, and public health experts, assuming children are not eating an excessive amount of cookies daily.

Both Marler and Dubey emphasize the need for the Girl Scouts to be more transparent and proactive in addressing the issue. Marler suggests that the cookie manufacturers should have conducted the testing and provided clear information to the public about any potential risks. Dubey believes the organization should be concerned about the presence of any contaminants and conduct nationwide testing of multiple batches as part of their production process. He urges the Girl Scouts to live up to the trust consumers place in them and do the right thing.

The situation raises important questions about food safety, transparency, and the responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products, especially those marketed to children. While the long-term health implications of consuming trace amounts of heavy metals and herbicides are still under investigation, the controversy surrounding Girl Scout cookies highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and stricter regulations to protect public health.

The article encourages readers to stay informed, exercise moderation, and advocate for greater transparency in the food industry. It also emphasizes the importance of consumers making informed choices about the products they consume and holding food manufacturers accountable for the safety and quality of their offerings.