In 2025, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, along with their licensed bakers Ferrero U.S.A. Inc. and Interbake Foods LLC, faced a significant class-action lawsuit alleging that Girl Scout Cookies contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and pesticides. The lawsuit claims that the cookies are contaminated with substances such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and the pesticide glyphosate, which exceed safety limits and pose health risks, particularly to children who are a primary market for the cookies.
Background and Allegations
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York by plaintiffs Danielle Barbaro, Judy Cholewa, and Amy Mayo, among others, who assert violations of consumer protection laws and unjust enrichment by the Girl Scouts and the manufacturers. The plaintiffs cite a study conducted in late 2024 by consumer advocacy groups Moms Across America and GMO Science, which tested 25 cookie samples across three states (California, Iowa, and Louisiana) and found that 100% of the samples contained multiple heavy metals at levels exceeding Environmental Protection Agency limits, with glyphosate levels reported as far above commonly accepted safety thresholds.
The complaint alleges that the Girl Scouts and their bakers misleadingly promoted the cookies as safe, high-quality products, including claims on their websites stating trust in their licensed bakers and top-quality ingredients, while failing to disclose the presence of potentially toxic contaminants. Despite these findings, the plaintiffs claim the Girl Scouts did not recall the products or adequately address consumer safety concerns, instead reaffirming the cookies’ safety in public statements and blog posts in early 2025.
Legal Claims and Requested Relief
- False and Misleading Advertising: Plaintiffs contend that the defendants misrepresented the safety and quality of the cookies in marketing materials.
- Violation of Consumer Protection Laws: The lawsuit asserts that concealed contamination amounts to unfair and deceptive business practices.
- Unjust Enrichment: The defendants allegedly profited unfairly by selling products that did not meet safety expectations without proper disclosure.
The plaintiffs seek class certification on behalf of all U.S. purchasers of Girl Scout Cookies, monetary damages exceeding $5 million, legal costs, and injunctive relief requiring updated packaging with accurate information about heavy metal and pesticide content in the cookies.
Response from Girl Scouts and Manufacturers
The Girl Scouts and their licensed bakers have denied the allegations, emphasizing that trace levels of heavy metals occur naturally in the environment and in many foods due to soil and water exposure, and that their cookies meet all relevant food safety regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. The organization maintains that the cookies are safe to consume and that their bakers adhere to rigorous quality standards.
Broader Implications
This lawsuit has drawn significant public attention to food safety concerns in popular consumer products, especially those marketed toward children. It raises important questions about transparency in ingredient sourcing, testing, and labeling in the food industry. The case may influence future regulatory scrutiny and manufacturing practices among large-scale confectionery producers and nonprofits reliant on product sales for funding.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Girl Scout Cookies Lawsuit
What contaminants are alleged in the cookies?
The lawsuit alleges the presence of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, aluminum, arsenic, mercury, and the pesticide glyphosate at levels considered unsafe by environmental standards.
Who filed the lawsuit?
Consumers including Amy Mayo and others filed the class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in March 2025.
What damages are being sought?
The plaintiffs seek over $5 million in damages, class certification, legal costs, and injunctions requiring accurate warning labels on the cookies.
How has the Girl Scouts’ organization responded?
The Girl Scouts and related manufacturers have denied wrongdoing, asserting compliance with food safety laws and disputing that the cookies pose health risks.
Is there evidence that consumers were harmed?
The lawsuit does not allege specific illnesses but focuses on potential health risks from prolonged exposure to heavy metals and pesticides in a product heavily consumed by children.
Conclusion
The 2025 Girl Scout Cookies lawsuit represents a notable challenge to the iconic brand’s reputation and product safety claims. While the Girl Scouts defend their products as safe and compliant, the allegations raise awareness about environmental contaminants in food and the importance of truthful marketing. As the case develops, it may set precedents for consumer protection enforcement and impact how food products, especially those targeting vulnerable populations like children, are tested, labeled, and promoted in the United States.
