Are your patients eating toxins? The hidden dangers in Girl Scout cookies

By MDLinx staff

Published April 30, 2025

Key Takeaways

Industry Buzz

“The health implications of toxic substances in [Girl Scout] cookies extend beyond the immediate impact on our girls and affect the public at large.” —Authors, GMO Science
“Identifying and eliminating the sources of these toxic metals is imperative to safeguarding public health.” — Authors, GMO Science

Find more of your peers' perspectives and insights below.

Parents and children alike eagerly grab boxes of Girl Scout cookies, a beloved American tradition. But a recent post by functional medicine physician Mark Hyman, MD, has raised serious questions about what's inside these iconic treats. A new study he shared revealed something shocking: every single Girl Scout cookie tested contained glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, along with heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium—substances linked to autism, cancer, and neurological damage.^[]

So, what does this mean?

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has been associated with autism spectrum disorder and hormonal disruption in animal studies. ^[]

While the levels in these cookies are reportedly below the safety thresholds set by health authorities, the concern lies in the cumulative, long-term exposure, especially for children whose developing systems may be more susceptible to even small amounts of toxins.

Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and aluminum were also found in disturbing quantities. Lead has no safe level of exposure, according to the FDA, while cadmium is a known carcinogen that can harm kidneys. These metals accumulate in the body over time, impacting brain function, immune health, and other vital organ systems.

How much exposure is too much?

Dr. Hyman’s post raises an important point: when every cookie contains these chemicals, how much exposure is too much? The FDA and EPA may consider these substances “safe in small amounts,” but with findings like these, it’s clear that we need to reassess what "safe" really means—especially when the affected population is children.

As physicians, staying informed about the chemicals present in everyday foods is essential, particularly with products marketed to children. With the growing awareness of these risks, parents are more likely to turn to us for guidance on potential long-term health effects. The conversation is only just beginning, and it’s up to us to be at the forefront of providing clear, informed advice.