A legal battle is brewing over America’s beloved Girl Scout cookies, with a new lawsuit claiming the iconic treats are tainted with heavy metals and pesticides. Filed in a Brooklyn federal court, the case accuses the Girl Scouts and their licensed bakers—ABC Bakers and Ferrero USA’s Little Brownie Bakers—of failing to disclose the presence of harmful substances in their products.
The lawsuit points to a December 2024 study conducted by GMO Science and Moms Across America, which tested 25 cookie samples from various states. The findings? Elevated levels of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in some cookies—along with traces of glyphosate, a controversial pesticide used in weed killers. Thin Mints, one of the organization’s bestsellers, reportedly contained the highest levels of glyphosate.
The complaint argues that while Girl Scout cookie sales are marketed as a lesson in ethics and entrepreneurship for young girls, the organization itself has fallen short of those principles. The lead plaintiff, Amy Mayo of New York, says she purchased multiple varieties—including Adventurefuls, Peanut Butter Patties, and Caramel deLites—believing them to be safe. Had she known about the alleged toxins, she claims she wouldn’t have bought them or would have paid less.
In response to earlier concerns, the Girl Scouts defended their products in a February blog post, stating that heavy metals naturally occur in soil and that trace amounts are not a safety concern. They also emphasized that their bakers comply with all food safety standards. “The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority,” the organization stated.
The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages and calls for more accurate labeling of Girl Scout cookies. Legal representatives for the case argue that government regulations on privately sold products like these are insufficient. “Lead is our foremost concern, but the presence of multiple heavy metals and pesticides is alarming, especially considering these cookies are sold by and marketed to children,” said the plaintiff’s attorney.
This case follows similar lawsuits against chocolate manufacturers after reports of heavy metal contamination in their products. Now, the Girl Scouts find themselves facing scrutiny over whether their famous cookies are truly as sweet as they seem.
