Are Girl Scout Cookies Contaminated? Case Alleges Heavy Metals and Pesticides

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Girl Scout cookies contain harmful substances, including heavy metals and pesticides, raising concerns about their safety.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in the U.S. who purchased Girl Scout cookies.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

A recently filed case claims that Girl Scout cookies contain harmful substances, including heavy metals and pesticides. The complaint argues that these ingredients were not disclosed to consumers, potentially misleading those who purchased the popular treats.

Testing Raises Concerns About Contaminants in Cookies

The lawsuit, brought by Amy Mayo, points to testing conducted by Moms Across America and GMO Science. According to their findings, every sample tested contained aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury. Additionally, 13 cookie varieties reportedly contained glyphosate, an herbicide used in weed control.

Although these findings are central to the case, the testing has been questioned by experts. The sample size included just 25 cookies, and the results were not peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. Instead of comparing levels to FDA safety guidelines for food, the study referenced EPA water safety limits, which do not apply to edible products.

Despite these limitations, the study gained attention when podcaster Joe Rogan discussed it on his show. The claims quickly spread on social media, fueling concern among consumers and prompting this legal filing.

Claims of Misleading Marketing and Consumer Deception

Mayo argues that the Girl Scouts of America, along with Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods, misrepresented the cookies by promoting them as safe and high quality. The complaint alleges that customers were not informed about potential contaminants and that the organization’s marketing materials gave the impression the products met higher safety standards.

According to the filing, the organizations involved in producing and distributing the cookies should have known about potential contamination through routine testing and monitoring. The case claims that, despite this, the products were still marketed without disclosing the presence of heavy metals or pesticides.

Previous Lawsuits Over Heavy Metals in Food

Concerns about toxic substances in food products have led to multiple lawsuits in recent years.

Earlier this month, a new lawsuit accused Celtic Ocean International, LLC—the company behind Celtic Sea Salt—of selling salt products containing dangerous levels of lead and arsenic while misleading consumers with claims of health benefits. The case, filed in California, alleges that Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt and Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt contain harmful metals that pose health risks. Despite this, the lawsuit claims the company markets the products as “doctor recommended” and a source of “vital minerals.”

In January, a separate case targeted Hain Celestial, the company behind Earth’s Best Baby Food, over allegations that its products contain unsafe levels of arsenic. Plaintiffs argue that the presence of heavy metals in baby food poses potential health risks to children.

In the Girl Scout cookies class action lawsuit, Mayo is seeking $5 million in damages on behalf of customers across the United States who purchased Girl Scout cookies during the timeframe covered by the case. In addition to financial compensation, the complaint demands that packaging be updated to inform buyers about the substances found in testing.

She claims that customers would have either avoided purchasing the cookies or paid less if they had been aware of the alleged contaminants.

The Girl Scouts of America addressed these concerns in a blog post last month, stating that their cookies are safe to eat and comply with all food safety regulations. The organization emphasized that trace amounts of heavy metals are naturally present in soil and do not pose a risk at the levels found in food.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Amy Mayo v. Girl Scouts of the United States of America, et al
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-01367-PK 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Jeffrey K. Brown and Blake HUnter Yagman (Leeds Brown Law, P.C.)

Do you buy Girl Scout cookies? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.