Are Girl Scout Cookies Safe? Experts Respond to Claims of Heavy Metal Contamination

Girl Scout Cookies are facing scrutiny after a lawsuit alleged that the beloved treats contain heavy metals and herbicides. While headlines may alarm some consumers, toxicologists and food safety experts believe there is insufficient scientific evidence to warrant avoiding Thin Mints or Caramel deLites.

What Is the Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit originated when Amy Mayo filed a class-action complaint against Girl Scouts of USA on March 10, claiming the organization falsely marketed its cookies as toxin-free. Although Mayo dismissed herself from the case, two other plaintiffs from New York have taken her place.

The suit was inspired by a December study published by nonprofit organizations GMOScience and Moms Across America, which reported that 100% of tested Girl Scout Cookies contained traces of four to five heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. The study also found Thin Mints had the highest levels of the herbicide glyphosate, while peanut butter patties showed the highest amounts of toxic metals.

In response, Girl Scouts of USA issued a blog post assuring customers, “Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.” The organization emphasized that small amounts of heavy metals are naturally present in the environment and are not intentionally added to cookie recipes. It also stated that the reported levels pose no food safety concerns.

A spokesperson for the Girl Scouts organization told Verywell that they remain “committed to vigorously defending ourselves against these allegations.”

Moms Across America previously raised similar concerns in a 2022 report about glyphosate levels in Banza chickpea pasta, though the company maintained that all its products meet safety standards following routine testing.

Are Girl Scout Cookies Actually Toxic?

The study driving the lawsuit tested only 25 cookies across three states—California, Iowa, and Louisiana—citing cost constraints. Furthermore, its findings have not undergone peer review, a process by which scientists evaluate the validity and reliability of research methods and conclusions.

“I think it would be foolish to not support the Girl Scouts because of this non-peer-reviewed report that only tested 25 samples. There’s no evidence that Girl Scout Cookies are any riskier than other cookies on the market,” said Donald W. Schaffner, PhD, professor of food science at Rutgers University.

The study measured heavy metal levels in cookies against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water limits. It found that about two-thirds of the cookies had cadmium levels exceeding these limits. High levels of cadmium consumption may cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting. However, comparing drinking water exposure to occasional cookie consumption is not scientifically appropriate, according to toxicologist Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

“These cookies are treats, consumed seasonally,” Johnson-Arbor said. “Using drinking water limits doesn't account for the fact that cookies aren’t consumed daily like water.”

How Did Contaminants End Up in Girl Scout Cookies?

The presence of glyphosate and heavy metals in Girl Scout Cookies doesn’t necessarily mean they are unsafe. Glyphosate is widely used in agriculture and appears in almost all food products to some extent. According to Johnson-Arbor, “If we test bread, fruits, vegetables—whatever we eat—it’s most likely going to have glyphosate residues. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s harming us.”

While glyphosate exposure remains controversial, the EPA has stated that it does not cause cancer or pose health risks in reasonable amounts. Toxic effects observed in studies typically involve animals exposed to high concentrations far beyond what humans encounter in food.

Experts agree that people most affected by glyphosate are those who work in landscaping or agriculture and handle high concentrations of the herbicide over long periods. For the average consumer, Johnson-Arbor added, “Occasional consumption of Girl Scout Cookies will not lead to significant heavy metal toxicity for most people.”

Should You Avoid Girl Scout Cookies?

Many Girl Scout cookie samples showed traces of lead, a heavy metal particularly dangerous to young children whose brains and nervous systems are still developing. Johnson-Arbor warned that minimizing lead exposure in children is always advisable. Additionally, excessive consumption of cookies could lead to health issues due to sugar, fat, and calorie content.

However, the cookies have not been recalled or pulled from shelves. Schaffner stressed that the study’s limited scope doesn’t provide enough evidence for health authorities to recommend avoiding Girl Scout Cookies.

Conclusion

While the lawsuit and study have raised concerns about contamination in Girl Scout Cookies, experts agree that the research is too limited and lacks peer review to suggest these treats pose significant health risks. For most people, occasional consumption is unlikely to cause any harm, though moderation is recommended—especially for children. Toxicologists and food safety experts encourage consumers to rely on evidence-based findings rather than unfounded claims when making dietary choices.