According to a class-action lawsuit filed last week, the seasonal cookies sold every year by the Girl Scouts may contain heavy metals that are potentially harmful to consumers.
The lawsuit alleges that Girl Scout cookies have a presence of heavy metals and herbicide glyphosate. The lawsuit cites a study that was commissioned by the Moms Across America and GMO Science.
The study examined cookies that were purchased in three states and found that four out of the five heavy metals researchers tested for were present in all the cookie samples. It also noted that most of the 25 cookie samples (88%) tested had all five present.
The metals that were tested for are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. The cookies used in the study were purchased in Iowa, California, and Louisiana.
The study noted that the cookies also had elevated levels of the herbicide glyphosate, which it says is “responsible for multiple health issues including cancer, endocrine disruption, gut issues, miscarriages, sperm damage, autism, neurotoxicity, and reproductive damage.”
However, it is important to know that the study was not published in a scientific journal, was not peer-reviewed, and used a small sample size.
Forbes points out that the study “doesn’t necessarily reflect contamination levels nationwide.” It also doesn’t compare heavy metals and glyphosate levels to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration food safety standards but to water safety limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Girl Scouts have already responded to the allegations, saying last month that their cookies are safe to eat and are manufactured according to the FDA’s current safety standards.
The Girl Scouts also said that the bakers for the cookies, Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods, don’t add any contaminants and that any of the substances found in the cookies come from environmental exposure.
“Small amounts of heavy metals can be found naturally in the environment, including in food products, due to air, water, and soil exposure. These metals are not added to our Girl Scout Cookies,” the Girl Scouts said. “While such occurrences are not unique to Girl Scout Cookies, our trusted baking partners continue to ensure the integrity of our recipes and the safety of all Girl Scout Cookie products in accordance with federal regulations and Global Food Safety Initiative standards.”
As for the lawsuit, Amy Mayo, a New York woman, filed the lawsuit in federal court last Monday, claiming the Girl Scouts were selling cookies “contaminated” with heavy metals and toxins that she wouldn’t have purchased if she would have known they were contaminated.
The lawsuit is seeking $5 million in damages for U.S. consumers and an injunction requiring the cookie sellers to update their packaging so that it discloses the presence of the substances.
“While the entire sales practice system for Girl Scout Cookies is built on a foundation of ethics and teaching young girls sustainable business practices, defendants failed to uphold this standard themselves,” the lawsuit claimed.
The Girl Scouts issued a statement on the allegations on Feb. 6, when criticism first started to pop up, saying that its cookies were safe.
“The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority,” the Girl Scouts said in a blog post. “Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.”