A class action lawsuit has been filed against the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., accusing them of selling cookies allegedly contaminated with substances that pose a health risk to consumers.
According to the complaint filed by plaintiff Jeanine Finkelstein, Girl Scout Cookies—sold nationwide and marketed primarily to children—contain harmful levels of toxins, including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and glyphosate. The lawsuit references testing conducted in late 2024 by GMOScience and other groups, which found all samples tested positive for glyphosate and toxic metals. Ninety-six percent of the samples reportedly contained lead, and some exceeded Environmental Protection Agency limits for other substances. The defendants are alleged to have failed to address these findings or take corrective measures.
Finkelstein alleges that she purchased multiple boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, believing they were safe for consumption, based on marketing claims from both organizations. She asserts that had she known about the alleged presence of toxins, she would not have made the purchases or would have paid less. The complaint cites promotional statements from the defendants claiming adherence to high-quality ingredient standards and compliance with food safety regulations.
The plaintiff seeks actual and statutory damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits into a constructive trust, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorneys’ fees. She also requests injunctive relief to prevent further allegedly misleading labeling and marketing practices.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Jason P. Sultzer of Sultzer & Lipari PLLC. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-03343.