Are Girl Scout cookies safe? Lawsuit alleges they are not – cleveland.com
A legal claim has been initiated by a woman in New York against Girl Scouts of the USA, alleging that their cookies contain harmful levels of heavy metals and pesticides. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, specifically names the organization and its bakeries, Ferrero and ABC Bakers, as failing to uphold safety standards despite marketing the products as suitable for children.
The legal complaint, submitted on March 10 and currently pending in court, asserts that the Girl Scouts and their suppliers did not adequately disclose the presence of toxins in the cookies, which were widely distributed across the country. Independent testing conducted in late 2024 indicated that all Girl Scout cookie samples tested positive for at least four of five heavy metals, with 96% containing lead. Notably, Thin Mints were found to contain excessive levels of the pesticide glyphosate, surpassing acceptable thresholds by more than 300 times.
The lawsuit contends that the defendants’ negligence in monitoring and removing toxins from the cookie ingredients and manufacturing process contradicts their professed dedication to producing high-quality, safe products for children. The documented risks associated with heavy metal exposure, particularly in children, further underscore the plaintiffs’ argument that the defendants were obligated to ensure the safety of a product specifically marketed to young consumers.
Despite Girl Scouts of the USA releasing a statement in February affirming the safety of their cookies and adherence to FDA regulations, the legal complaint asserts that this assurance is insufficient. Lead consumption has no safe threshold, and the heavy metal levels detected in the cookies exceed EPA limits for water. Seeking to represent consumers nationwide who have purchased Girl Scout cookies since 2024, the lawsuit pursues damages, injunctive relief, and legal fees under New York consumer protection laws.
While a spokesperson for Girl Scouts of the USA declined to comment on ongoing litigation, the organization emphasized in their prior statement that customer safety remains a top priority. The statement also reiterated that their products are manufactured in compliance with FDA guidelines and other relevant authorities’ food safety standards.
In conclusion, the class action lawsuit against Girl Scouts of the USA highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in food production, especially concerning products targeted at children. The legal complaint underscores the necessity for rigorous quality control measures to safeguard consumers from potential health hazards associated with heavy metal and pesticide contamination in popular food items like Girl Scout cookies.
