Ultra-Processed Foods Litigation Updates

February 4, 2025

• New Study Connects Ultra-Processed Foods to Childhood Obesity: A recent study in JAMA reveals a strong link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity in children, with boys particularly affected. These findings may influence ongoing lawsuits against food manufacturers and marketers for contributing to childhood obesity.

January 31, 2025

• Research Highlights Dental and Metabolic Risks of UPFs: New research indicates that high intake of ultra-processed foods by toddlers may cause dental issues and underdeveloped jaw growth. The study also emphasizes the connection between UPFs and metabolic problems, chronic inflammation, and diseases such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.

January 24, 2025

• Kraft Heinz Seeks Federal Court Transfer: Kraft Heinz has requested to move a recent ultra-processed food lawsuit from Pennsylvania state court to federal court. The company argues that its main corporate operations are in Illinois, despite listing Pittsburgh, PA as its official headquarters in SEC filings.

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Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits: Key Facts

Ultra-processed foods are a common part of modern diets, often promoted as quick, easy, and budget-friendly solutions for busy households. Yet growing research shows these products may carry serious health risks, including Type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and certain cancers. In response, families across the country are pursuing legal action against major food companies, claiming that addictive ingredients and deceptive marketing practices have put public health in danger.

See if you qualify for a free processed foods lawsuit case review – Click HERE!

Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are industrially made products that go far beyond basic cooking. They are often created from components extracted or modified from natural ingredients and mixed with artificial substances to enhance taste, texture, or shelf life.

These foods commonly include:

• High Sugar and Refined Carbs: Contributing to weight gain, insulin spikes, and metabolic problems.
• Unhealthy Fats: Like trans fats or hydrogenated oils, which can negatively impact heart health.
• Synthetic Additives: Preservatives, flavorings, and colorings that make the food more appealing but offer little to no nutritional value.

Examples of ultra-processed items include:

• Packaged snacks such as chips, cookies, and bars
• Sugary breakfast cereals and energy drinks
• Frozen meals and ready-to-eat fast foods
• Soft drinks and artificially flavored beverages

Though convenient and flavorful, these products often lack essential nutrients and have been linked to serious health concerns, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

See if you qualify for a free processed foods lawsuit case review – Click HERE!

The Health Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods pose serious health risks, especially for children, whose growing bodies are more sensitive to harmful ingredients. Recent studies have highlighted several concerning effects:

Type 2 Diabetes
These foods are often packed with refined sugars and simple carbs, causing frequent spikes in blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a major driver of Type 2 diabetes. Once rare in young populations, diagnoses among children have risen sharply in the last 20 years.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to fat accumulation in the liver. This buildup can cause inflammation and, in severe cases, long-term liver damage.

Cancer Risks
Certain chemical by-products from industrial processing, such as acrylamide, may increase the risk of cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer.

Obesity and Heart Health Concerns
High-calorie, nutrient-poor ultra-processed foods are strongly associated with weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—conditions that raise the likelihood of developing heart disease.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may qualify for compensation – Click HERE to learn more.

Legal Measures Targeting Food Manufacturers

Legal actions targeting food manufacturers center on misleading advertising and the deliberate inclusion of harmful ingredients. Major claims involve:

• Misleading Claims: Some companies advertise ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as “healthy” or “all-natural,” giving consumers a false sense of safety.
• Marketing to Kids: Colorful packaging, cartoons, and toy giveaways are used to attract children to products that aren’t nutritious.
• Ignoring Health Warnings: Manufacturers often don’t disclose the long-term health risks associated with frequent UPF consumption..

Some of the major companies named in these lawsuits are:

• Kraft Heinz Company
• Mondelēz International
• Coca-Cola and PepsiCo
• General Mills and Nestlé USA
• Kellogg’s and Mars, Inc.

These corporations face allegations of putting profits ahead of public health, fueling the rise of chronic illnesses through their products and marketing practices.

See if you qualify for a free processed foods lawsuit case review – Click HERE!

The Effect on Families

Chronic health issues linked to ultra-processed foods can take a heavy financial, emotional, and physical toll on households. Those pursuing lawsuits are seeking compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treating diabetes, liver disease, and other UPF-related conditions.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to illness or time spent caring for affected family members.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical discomfort and emotional strain caused by long-term health problems.
• Punitive Damages: To hold food manufacturers accountable for negligent or harmful practices.

Why These Lawsuits Are Picking Up Speed

Growing research and increasing public awareness are shining a spotlight on the risks of ultra-processed foods. Key developments include:

• Child Health Risks: A 2024 study published in Nutrients found that children who consume high amounts of UPFs face a higher likelihood of developing metabolic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• High Consumption Rates: Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that more than 60% of calories in American children’s diets come from ultra-processed foods.
• Global Attention: The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged stricter regulations on food marketing to shield children from the adverse health effects of poor dietary choices.

The goal of these lawsuits is to compel food companies to put consumer safety and honest labeling above profits.

What to Do If You’ve Been Impacted

If you or a loved one has developed a health condition potentially linked to ultra-processed foods, you may have the right to pursue legal action. Steps to consider include:

• Gather Documentation: Keep medical records, dietary logs, and product packaging to help show a link between consumption and your health condition.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult an attorney who specializes in food safety or product liability cases to evaluate your situation and guide you through the claims process.
• Take Timely Action: Statutes of limitations differ by state, so it’s crucial to start the process as soon as possible.

How Injury Claims Can Assist

Injury Claims helps connect individuals and families with experienced attorneys who focus on holding food manufacturers responsible for unsafe practices. Our legal partners work to pursue justice and compensation for those impacted by the health risks of ultra-processed foods.

Take the first step toward protecting your health and holding corporations accountable – Fill out our form for a FREE case review today!