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Individuals who developed severe health conditions, especially young people, after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods may qualify for legal action against major food companies accused of misleading consumers about health risks and marketing addictive products to children. Recent lawsuits, supported by emerging research, emphasize that corporations intentionally concealed these dangers, prompting growing legal momentum. Trey Harrell, a Charleston product liability lawyer, unpacks these major legal developments.
Lawsuits Against Food Companies For Concealed Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
In December 2024, a significant lawsuit was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against major food companies such as Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz International, and Coca-Cola. The plaintiff, Bryce Martinez, alleges he developed Type 2 Diabetes and NAFLD at age 16 due to consuming ultra-processed products. In general, the lawsuit accuses these corporations of intentionally marketing addictive and harmful foods to children without adequate warnings, employing strategies reminiscent of those historically used by tobacco companies.
Key Allegations:
- Addictive Engineering and Marketing: Companies designed UPFs to exploit neurological pathways, making them highly addictive, and targeted children with aggressive marketing similar to tobacco industry tactics.
- Health Consequences: Consumption of UPFs directly resulted in serious health issues like Type 2 Diabetes and NAFLD, inherent to their processed nature.
- Industry Awareness: Corporations allegedly knew the risks since a 1999 meeting acknowledging their products’ link to obesity and related diseases but continued harmful practices.
Claims for Relief:
The plaintiff seeks both compensatory and punitive damages based on:
- Negligence: Failure to ensure product safety.
- Fraudulent Misrepresentation: Misleading consumers about health risks.
- Unfair Business Practices: Ethical violations detrimental to consumer health.
In short, these lawsuits against food companies aim to hold these corporations accountable for allegedly prioritizing profits over public health, particularly the well-being of children, by promoting and selling products with known adverse health effects.
Food Giants Face Growing Legal Pressure Over Concealed Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
Additional research underscores these concerns. A January 2025 study from the Catholic University of Valencia found frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods negatively impacts children’s dental and jaw development and reinforces links to metabolic disorders and fatty liver disease.
On February 4, 2025, the CHILD Cohort Study published in JAMA revealed that nearly half of children’s daily calories come from ultra-processed foods, significantly increasing obesity risks. These findings strengthen legal actions against food manufacturers.
Addressing the UPF Crisis: Federal Efforts to Improve Public Health
The Trump administration, under the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is actively attempting to address the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Secretary Kennedy has identified these highly processed products as significant contributors to chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, particularly among children. To combat this, President Trump and his administration are considering policy changes that may include implementing warning labels, adjusting agricultural subsidies, and restricting the purchase of UPFs through federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP. Additionally, efforts are underway to align U.S. food ingredient standards with stricter European regulations, focusing on the removal of artificial additives and enhancing consumer transparency regarding food safety.
Who Qualifies for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit?
Individuals, particularly children and young adults, who have developed serious health conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, childhood obesity, or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods may qualify for legal action.
These foods contain harmful ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial additives, hydrogenated oils, and excessive sodium. Companies aggressively marketed these products, misleading consumers about their nutritional value.
Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods? Reach Out to Attorney Trey Harrell for Help.
Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the serious health risks connected to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), prompting significant legal action against major food manufacturers. Ongoing research continues to reveal how these products can negatively impact the health of our children, emphasizing the need for parents and consumers to remain informed about potential long-term consequences associated with their dietary choices.
If your child has been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) without any family history of these conditions, and you suspect ultra-processed foods played a significant role, it’s crucial to understand your legal options. Attorney Trey Harrell has extensive experience handling personal injury and product liability cases and is dedicated to helping families navigate these challenging situations. Attorneys at Trey Harrell Law Office, LLC can help evaluate your Ultra Process Foods case, provide clarity about your legal rights, and assist you in seeking compensation if your child’s health has been compromised by UPFs.
To discuss your specific circumstances or learn more about how we can help, please reach out to the Trey Harrell Law Office, LLC today.
Because, remember Trey Helps is about more than just auto accidents!