Girl Scout cookies lawsuit alleges presence of heavy metals and herbicide
A class action lawsuit against the Girl Scouts of the USA has recently created a buzz, claiming that the popular Girl Scout cookies contain heavy metals and pesticides. Amy Mayo, on behalf of herself and others, filed the $5 million lawsuit, alleging that the cookies contain toxic substances.
The suit targets the Girl Scouts’ bakeries, Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods (ABC Bakers), in addition to the organization itself. Mayo’s argument centers around the belief that the cookies are overly processed and that they contain heavy metals such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as pesticides like glyphosate.
Despite claims by the organization that their products are safe and marketed to children, Mayo insists that they fail to uphold their promise of using top-quality ingredients in the cookies. An extensive study in 2004 examined the presence of heavy metals in the cookies across three states, with 13 out of 25 cookie types showing high heavy metal levels and all samples containing glyphosate. This study, spearheaded by GMO Science and Moms Across America, did not undergo peer review but garnered significant attention on social media and podcasts.
The Girl Scouts pushed back against these claims, citing that the levels of heavy metals detected in their cookies were not alarming and were within safe limits according to FDA and EPA regulations. Moreover, they explained that natural processes in soil contribute to the presence of heavy metals, and glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide in agriculture. The organization reconfirmed their commitment to food safety standards and regulations outlined by relevant health authorities.
Established in 1917, the Girl Scouts’ cookie program is celebrated as the largest girl-led entrepreneurial initiative globally, with an estimated annual sale of 200 million boxes from January to April each year. This lawsuit is not the only one of its kind; in 2022, Hershey and other chocolate manufacturers faced legal action over high lead and cadmium levels in their products, marking an ongoing trend in food safety litigations.
In conclusion, the class action lawsuit against the Girl Scouts of the USA and their affiliated bakeries reflects the rising concerns surrounding heavy metal and pesticide contamination in popular food items. While the Girl Scouts maintain their commitment to adhering to food safety standards and addressing customer concerns, the issue continues to spark debate and scrutiny within the public and legal arenas.
