Popular podcast host Joe Rogan has raised alarming concerns about Girl Scout cookies after discussing recent studies revealing potentially harmful ingredients in these beloved treats.
“They’re f*cking toxic as f*ck,” Rogan declared during a recent episode of his show, while reviewing research findings about the contents of these popular cookies.
The investigation he referenced found that 100% of tested Girl Scout cookies contained glyphosate, a controversial herbicide found in Roundup. Additionally, 88% of the cookies contained toxic metals including arsenic, lead, and mercury.
According to the studies discussed, Thin Mints were identified as the worst offenders, containing glyphosate levels of 111.07 ppb – approximately 334 times what experts consider harmful. Peanut Butter Patties showed the highest heavy metal contamination, with lead levels reaching 42.5 ppb and aluminum at 27,500 ppb.
The research also revealed that 76% of tested cookies exceeded cadmium safety limits, while 96% contained lead. These findings are particularly concerning given the scale of Girl Scout cookie sales, which amount to 200 million boxes annually, generating $800 million in revenue.
“I wonder why they wouldn’t chime in,” Rogan remarked repeatedly about Girl Scout USA’s silence, noting that the organization did not respond to researchers before the study’s publication.
What Moms Across America and GMOScience claim the test results show:
100% of the samples were positive for glyphosate.
100% were positive for toxic metals.
22 out of 25 (88%) of samples were positive for all 5 toxic metals.
76% were positive for levels of cadmium that exceed EPA limits in water.
24 out of 25 (96%) of samples were positive for lead.
Dr. Jessica B. Steier, CEO of Vital Statistics Counseling, public health scientist, health services researcher told Snopes via email, “The certified lab results show all tested parameters fall well within established food safety guidelines. The variation between samples is normal and no single result approaches levels of regulatory concern. In fact, the results demonstrate compliance with food safety standards rather than raising red flags. This is total fear mongering.”
Michelle Perro, CEO of GMO Science, told Snopes via email:
What we can say is that in our research the entire sample of 25 cookies were positive for glyphosate/AMPA and toxic metals. The responsible thing to do by the Girl Scouts is to have their own cookies tested and demonstrate that indeed we were incorrect in the analysis. We did reach out to the Girl Scouts several times prior to publication without any response. The laboratories that conducted the studies are fully accredited and meet all national standards. We welcome a third party validation …
Our goal is to improve the health of our children, which is disastrous. Over 63% of U.S. children now have a chronic disease driven by environmental toxicants which include pesticides and toxic metals. The focus is to make the invisible visible and force our governmental agencies responsible for regulation to do their jobs and set a high bar for industry. Our request, as was for the Girl Scouts, is to switch to organic regenerative ingredients. As you noted in our article, their salaries are egregious, with the head of the Girl Scouts making over $700,000. The Girl Scouts make $. 65 per box of cookies sold. We believe that they should be promoting health, not profits.
