Girl Scout Cookie Controversy: Unpacking the Allegations and Organizations Involved
The beloved Girl Scout cookies have found themselves embroiled in a controversy after a recent study claimed the presence of toxic chemicals within them. This study, conducted by nonprofits Moms Across America and GMOScience, alleges that 100% of the tested cookies contained elevated levels of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Furthermore, it stated that 13 types of cookies tested positive for high levels of glyphosate, a herbicide commonly used for weed control.
The study, titled "Danger in the Dough: Unveiling the Toxic Contaminants in Girl Scout Cookies," has triggered a wave of concern among parents and consumers alike. However, the study has faced criticism due to its methodology and lack of peer review, as it wasn’t published in a scientific journal. Critics also point to the small sample size, consisting of only 25 cookies, and the comparison of heavy metal and glyphosate levels to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) water safety limits, which are not designed for food products.
In response to the allegations, Girl Scouts of America issued a statement on February 6, reassuring customers that "Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume" and meet all regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA. Despite this reassurance, the controversy escalated further with the filing of a federal lawsuit against Girl Scouts of America, cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A., and Interbake Foods, alleging the sale of cookies containing toxins. While the initial plaintiff withdrew from the lawsuit, Danielle Barbaro and Judy Cholewa have since taken over as plaintiffs, continuing the legal battle.
As the lawsuit progresses, it’s crucial to understand the organizations behind the Girl Scout cookie study and their history of advocacy. The study was authored by Michelle Perro, CEO of GMOScience; Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America; and Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. These three women have a track record of targeting GMOs, glyphosate, and other chemicals perceived as toxic in food products.
Both Perro and Seneff serve on the advisory board of Moms Across America, highlighting the interconnectedness of these organizations. Jessica Steier, CEO of Vital Statistics Consulting and founder of the podcast "Unbiased Science," has closely examined the work of Moms Across America for several years, initially analyzing a study they conducted on glyphosate levels in Banza chickpea pasta in 2024.
Steier’s analysis raises concerns about the methods employed by Moms Across America. She asserts that the organization consistently presents data in ways that maximize alarm, often misrepresenting statistics, highlighting preliminary research without proper context, and misunderstanding fundamental principles of toxicology. She emphasized the importance of dosage, stating that "the presence of a substance does not automatically indicate risk" and "the dose makes the poison."
As an example, Steier dissected the study’s claims regarding glyphosate levels, stating that the levels in several cookies were "334 times higher" than what is considered harmful. However, she clarified that even the highest glyphosate level found (111 parts per billion in Thin Mints) would require a child to consume over 9,000 cookies in a single day to reach even the most conservative safety thresholds.
In response to these criticisms, Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America maintained that consumers should be "alarmed" and expressed hope that Girl Scouts of America would prioritize better ingredients, empower girls to bake their own organic cookies, and advocate for regenerative organic farming.
Moms Across America, established in 2013, is a nonprofit dedicated to advocating against GMOs, primarily through the lens of empowering mothers. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants, animals, or microorganisms that have undergone DNA modification. Common ingredients containing GMOs include cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and granulated sugar. While the FDA asserts that GMOs are safe for consumption due to rigorous testing by the FDA, EPA, and USDA, Moms Across America continues to raise concerns about their potential health impacts.
Honeycutt asserts that Moms Across America conducts studies and produces data that "shows that our food is contaminated." However, the group has faced criticism for making misleading claims about other publicly available food items, often lacking crucial context. Furthermore, the organization’s website promotes anti-vaccination rhetoric and alternative medications, such as a "vaccine detox herbal extract." Honeycutt has been a vocal supporter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was previously an adviser to the organization.
GMOScience, founded in 2014, positions itself as "a voice for independent science" and generates articles, videos, and podcasts largely opposing GMOs. Honeycutt and Seneff both serve as advisors to the organization.
The actual sampling and testing of the Girl Scout cookies were conducted by The Health Research Institute and New Jersey Laboratories on behalf of Moms Across America and GMOScience. The Health Research Institute, based in Iowa, focuses on glyphosate testing in foods. This nonprofit was founded in 2015 and employs five full-time scientists. New Jersey Laboratories, founded in 1936 as New Jersey Dairy Laboratories, initially specialized in dairy and food production testing.
New Jersey Laboratories tests products in various industries, including pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, dietary supplement, cosmetic, dairy, and food. The laboratory’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rajul Vyas, confirmed that the company is bound by a non-disclosure agreement with Moms Across America and cannot disclose specific details of the study.
The controversy surrounding Girl Scout cookies highlights the importance of critical thinking, data analysis, and understanding the nuances of toxicology. While concerns about food safety are valid, it’s essential to evaluate claims based on sound scientific evidence and contextualize findings within established safety thresholds. The ongoing lawsuit and public debate will likely continue to shape perceptions of Girl Scout cookies and raise broader questions about the role of advocacy organizations in shaping public opinion on food safety.
