In December 2024, the nonprofit organizations Moms Across America and GMOScience released a controversial report claiming that Girl Scout cookies contain toxic chemicals. The report detailed findings from thirty-seven cookies, revealing that 100% of the samples tested positive for elevated levels of harmful substances including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Additionally, thirteen tested varieties contained high levels of glyphosate, a herbicide often criticized for its negative health effects. The study, titled "Danger in the Dough: Unveiling the Toxic Contaminants in Girl Scout Cookies," has sparked outrage and concern among parents and consumers.
Despite the alarming findings, the authenticity and credibility of the study have been called into question. Critics point out that the study was based on a small sample size of only twenty-five cookies and did not undergo peer review before publication. Additionally, experts argue that the study’s comparison of heavy metals and glyphosate levels was made against the EPA’s safety limits for water, which are not applicable to food. Dr. Jessica Steier, CEO of Vital Statistics Consulting, posited that the presence of a substance in food does not imply an automatic health risk. “The dose makes the poison,” she stated, emphasizing that the study misrepresented the findings to convey maximum alarm.
The Girl Scouts of America responded to the study on February 6, 2025, ensuring customers that their cookies are safe for consumption and adherent to guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA. The organization announced, “Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume,” aiming to reaffirm customer trust amidst rising concerns.
In a direct response to the study, a New York resident filed a federal lawsuit on March 10, 2025, against the Girl Scouts of America, Ferrero U.S.A., and Interbake Foods, seeking accountability for the alleged presence of toxic substances in their cookies. Although the initial plaintiff later withdrew her filings, Danielle Barbaro and Judy Cholewa have taken over as the lead plaintiffs. As the case progresses, legal tensions rise, with consumers questioning the safety of beloved cookie classics.
The study was authored by Michelle Perro, the CEO of GMOScience; Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America; and Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at MIT. Each has a history of critiquing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and chemicals in food systems, further stirring the climate of distrust around food safety.
Perro, a pediatrician with over forty years of experience, is known for advocating against industrial farming practices that she claims harm children's health. Honeycutt has drawn attention for her push towards organic food options and lifestyle changes. Seneff has published extensive research relating glyphosate exposure to chronic illnesses. Despite their expertise, many scientists have raised concerns about the validity and design of their studies.
The expert analysis from Dr. Steier aimed to dissect the alarming statistics presented in the study. For example, the report claims that the glyphosate levels in some cookies were “334 times higher” than harmful consumption levels. Steier clarified that the highest level recorded in a cookie, 111 parts per billion in Thin Mints, would necessitate a child consuming over 9,000 cookies in a single day to reach even minimal safety thresholds. "This kind of examination leads to misinformation rather than informed choices,” Dr. Steier added, highlighting the need for context in interpreting scientific data.
In contrast, Honeycutt advocates for consumer awareness of food safety issues, arguing that the Girl Scouts should prioritize healthier ingredients. “We hope that rather than attack the messengers, they choose to select better ingredients and empower their girls to bake their own organic cookies,” she stated. This viewpoint resonates with families looking for healthier and safer food options.
Founded in 2013, Moms Across America champions the fight against GMOs while educating the public about potential toxins in foods. Their mission involves empowering mothers to advocate for better food quality not only for their families but for communities at large. The organization also incorporates a more extensive range of issues, including anti-vaccination rhetoric and critique of certain medications. This broad stance has landed Moms Across America in hot water previously, as there are allegations about their claims regarding various food products lacking scientific backing.
GMOScience, established in 2014, aims to act as a platform for independent science that questions the safety of GMOs. With Honeycutt and Seneff involved in its advisory board, the organization remains a prominent figure in unveiling what it refers to as hidden dangers within food products.
New Jersey Laboratories and the Health Research Institute assisted in testing the cookies on behalf of Moms Across America and GMOScience. The Health Research Institute, which is based in Iowa, specializes in glyphosate testing of foods. Founded in 2015, it employs a small team of experienced scientists dedicated to food safety. In past studies, including an analysis of toxic chemicals in school lunches, they collaborated with Moms Across America, solidifying their role in scrutinizing food safety.
As the lawsuit develops alongside fluctuating perceptions of food safety, public health experts continue to call for more dialogue and understanding in topics concerning food regulations, safety testing, and consumer awareness. The debate surrounding the Girl Scouts cookies illuminates broader conversations regarding food transparency, health advocacy, and consumer trust in products that many have enjoyed for generations.
Questions remain about the reliability of studies claiming harmful ingredients and whether genuine reform in food production practices will emerge from these controversies. As consumers navigate the mixed messages, staying informed and vigilant is paramount.
