Girl Scouts Refute Joe Rogan’s "Toxic" Cookie Claims, Citing Food Safety Standards
The Girl Scouts of the USA are pushing back against recent accusations made by podcast host Joe Rogan, who declared their iconic cookies "toxic" on his widely popular show. Rogan’s claims stem from a controversial, non-peer-reviewed study conducted by Moms Across America, which alleged the presence of harmful levels of toxic metals in all Girl Scout cookies.
The controversy erupted after Rogan, during a recent episode, echoed the findings of the Moms Across America study, reportedly using strong language to describe the alleged toxicity of the cookies. This immediately sparked concern among Girl Scout supporters and prompted a formal response from the organization.
In a statement released to USA TODAY, a Girl Scouts of the USA spokesperson emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to consumer safety. "The health and safety of our customers is our top priority," the statement read. "All Girl Scout Cookies are produced by our trusted licensed bakers, who are leaders in their industry and adhere to rigorous food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities."
The Girl Scouts’ response also highlighted the community benefits associated with cookie purchases. "When you buy Girl Scout Cookies, proceeds stay local, every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies supports local troops in your community," the spokesperson noted. This element underscores the charitable aspect of the cookie sales, which support various local initiatives and activities for Girl Scout troops.
The study that ignited the debate was a collaborative effort between Moms Across America and GMOScience, released on December 30th. The groups presented their findings as "extremely concerning," arguing that "the sale of cookies containing potentially toxic ingredients raises profound ethical and public health concerns." They further asserted that Girl Scouts needed to address the issue and reformulate their products to ensure consumer safety.
Moms Across America claimed that 100% of the cookies they tested contained at least four out of five heavy and toxic metals, specifically aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Moreover, they stated that all 25 cookies of the 13 types tested from California, Iowa, and Louisiana had high levels of glyphosate, a common herbicide.
However, the validity and interpretation of the study have come under intense scrutiny. For instance, Forbes reported that the study was not published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and utilized a limited sample size, suggesting the results may not be representative of cookie production nationwide. Critically, Forbes pointed out that the study compared its findings to water safety limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rather than FDA food safety standards. This comparison is misleading because water safety limits are typically much stricter than those for food products.
It’s important to note that both the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) permit trace amounts of pesticides and metals in food products, deeming these levels non-harmful. The agencies conduct regular safety tests to ensure compliance with these standards.
Following the release of the study, Moms Across America has urged the Girl Scouts to take immediate action, presumably to eliminate the alleged toxic ingredients.
In response to the study and its claims, Girl Scouts of the USA issued a blog post earlier this month, reaffirming that their cookies are made with ingredients that meet the food safety standards established by the FDA and other relevant regulatory bodies. "As a result, Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations," the organization stated in the blog post.
The Girl Scouts also provided context to the study’s findings, emphasizing that heavy metals are naturally occurring environmental contaminants found in soil. Because plant-based ingredients are used in the cookies, trace amounts of these metals may be present. The organization clarified that the mere presence of these trace amounts does not render the food harmful.
The Girl Scouts further explained that glyphosate, the herbicide also identified in the study, is pervasive in the food chain. They noted that trace amounts are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, baked goods, and other food and beverage items. "Our bakers have confirmed that the levels reported do not pose a food safety concern to our customers," the Girl Scouts stated.
The controversy highlights the increasing public interest in food safety and the role of advocacy groups in raising awareness. However, it also demonstrates the importance of critically evaluating scientific studies, particularly when they are not peer-reviewed or utilize methodologies that can be easily misinterpreted.
The Girl Scouts’ reputation has been built on trust and community support. The cookie sales not only fund the organization’s activities but also instill valuable entrepreneurial skills in young girls. These proceeds are generally allocated to troop activities, community service projects, and educational initiatives at a local level.
The Girl Scouts of America have a long and respected history and they will likely weather this incident by staying focused on facts, reassuring consumers, and continuing their longstanding mission of helping young girls develop into future leaders. With millions of boxes sold annually, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is an integral part of their annual fundraising efforts and serves as a symbol of support for young women and girls. This current situation demonstrates that transparency and accuracy are key factors to defending and furthering this beloved and valuable American institution.
