Girl Scout Cookies Under Fire: 'Toxic' Claims Spark Debate

The Girl Scouts of the USA is defending its cookies amid claims that they contain "toxic" metals and other potentially harmful ingredients. It's like, can't we enjoy anything anymore?

A study by Moms Across America, in partnership with GMOScience, alleges that Girl Scout cookies tested positive for traces of toxic metals and glyphosate, a common herbicide. Joe Rogan even chimed in on his podcast, calling the cookies "toxic as [expletive]."

The Girl Scouts, headquartered right here in NYC, responded that their cookies are safe and meet all FDA standards. "The health and safety of our customers is our top priority," a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The organization emphasized that its licensed bakers adhere to rigorous food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities.

According to Moms Across America, the study found that 22 of 25 cookie samples contained traces of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Thin Mints reportedly had the highest glyphosate levels, while Peanut Butter Patties topped the charts for toxic metals.

In a Feb. 6 blog post, the Girl Scouts of the USA stated, "Rest assured: Girl Scout cookies are safe to consume." They explained that environmental contaminants can occur naturally in the soil, meaning nearly all foods with plant-based ingredients may contain trace amounts.

The Girl Scouts also noted that glyphosate is prevalent in the food chain. "Trace amounts of glyphosate can be found in fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, baked goods, and other food and beverage commodities," they said.

Similarly, small amounts of heavy metals can naturally occur in the environment and, consequently, in food products due to exposure to air, water, and soil. These metals are not added to Girl Scout cookies, they clarified.

The organization's bakers confirmed that the reported levels do not pose a food safety concern to customers.

The FDA's website provides further details about glyphosate use on crops, noting that trace amounts of pesticides may remain on some crops after harvesting.

The FDA ensures that pesticide chemical residues in domestic and imported foods do not exceed the limits set by the EPA.

The EPA has established tolerances for glyphosate on a wide range of human and animal food crops, stating that glyphosate has low toxicity for people.

Despite the controversy, the Girl Scouts of the USA, around since 1912, have not issued a recall. The first recorded cookie sales to fund troop activities date back to 1917.

This debate about ingredients in common foods comes as the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement gains momentum.