A lawsuit filed against Girl Scouts of the USA claims their cookies contain concerning levels of heavy metals and pesticides. New York resident Amy Mayo seeks $5 million in damages from the organization and their manufacturers, Ferrero and ABC Bakers.

Testing conducted in 2024 by GMOScience and Moms Across America examined 25 cookie samples from California, Iowa, and Louisiana. The results showed each sample contained at least four of five heavy metals: aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Traces of glyphosate pesticide were also detected.

Girl Scouts of the USA denies any wrongdoing, stating their cookies comply with federal food safety regulations. They explain that trace metals occur naturally in soil, and glyphosate is commonly found in agricultural products but not intentionally added to cookies.

The controversy has sparked debate among experts. Forbes noted that the study compared results to EPA water safety standards instead of FDA food safety regulations. The FDA has not issued any recalls, though social media claims suggesting otherwise have circulated widely.

Key Points of Contention:

• Testing methodology and standards used
• Natural vs. harmful levels of metals in food
• Regulatory compliance and safety guidelines
• Impact on the $1 billion cookie industry

The case will likely face extensive legal scrutiny, focusing on scientific evidence and regulatory standards. While some consumers express concerns, others view the claims as potentially misleading, given that trace elements in foods are regulated at levels deemed safe by the FDA and USDA.

The outcome could influence future testing, labeling, and marketing practices for Girl Scout Cookies, though the organization maintains confidence in their products' safety and compliance with food safety guidelines.

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