Have you or your loved one been harmed by Ultra-Processed Foods?

If you or your child have developed a serious health condition like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, or fatty liver disease after years of consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs), you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have been exposed to these heavily engineered products, often without realizing the long-term health risks.

Today, people across the country are filing ultra-processed foods lawsuits to hold manufacturers accountable. Our legal team is actively reviewing cases nationwide. Find out if you qualify for compensation through a free, no-obligation case review.

Why People Are Filing Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits

Ultra-processed foods are mass-produced items high in additives, artificial ingredients, and industrial chemicals. These products have become a staple in many American diets. Recent research now links them to a range of chronic health problems, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Increased risk of premature death

Major food manufacturers like Nestlé, PepsiCo, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and Kellogg’s are facing legal scrutiny for allegedly concealing these risks. Lawsuits claim these companies prioritized profits while marketing products like Pop-Tarts, Capri Sun, Lunchables, Hot Pockets, and sugary breakfast cereals to children and families—often labeling them as healthy or nutritious.

Key points driving these lawsuits:

• Scientific evidence now shows a clear link between long-term UPF consumption and chronic illness
• Many plaintiffs were unaware of the risks due to deceptive packaging and advertising
• Food corporations failed to disclose known health impacts or provide adequate warnings

If your household regularly consumed ultra-processed foods and you or a loved one were later diagnosed with a related condition, you may be eligible to join this national legal effort.

Do You Qualify for Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits?

You may be eligible to file a claim if the following apply:

• You or your child have been diagnosed with a qualifying chronic condition (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, obesity, liver disease, metabolic syndrome)
• You regularly consumed ultra-processed foods over a period of years
• Your diagnosis occurred after 1985 (when many UPFs became household staples)
• You are within your state’s statute of limitations for filing product liability claims

These lawsuits are still in early stages, and filing now may increase your chances of receiving compensation when settlements are reached.

What If the Claim Involves a Child?

Ultra-processed foods have been aggressively marketed to children for decades using cartoon mascots, colorful packaging, and product placement in schools and media. As a result, millions of children were unknowingly exposed to high levels of artificial additives and chemicals during key stages of development.

If your child has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition after regularly consuming products like sugary cereals, snack cakes, Lunchables, or flavored drinks, you may be able to pursue legal action on their behalf.

Why Pediatric Exposure Is Especially Harmful:

• Developmental risks tied to ongoing metabolic stress during childhood
• Early onset of diseases like Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and severe obesity
• Emotional and psychological toll, including low self-esteem, medication dependence, and reduced physical activity

These cases are time-sensitive. Many jurisdictions impose shorter filing deadlines for minors, and early legal action allows us to preserve critical medical and dietary evidence.

If you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver, now is the time to take action.
Contact us today for a free case review. There’s no cost to explore your options.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are not just “junk food.” They’re industrially manufactured products that undergo multiple stages of chemical alteration. These foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, low-cost, and long-lasting, often at the expense of nutritional value.

Key Characteristics of UPFs:

• Made with ingredients not commonly found in household kitchens
• Contain industrial additives to enhance flavor, appearance, and shelf life
• Typically low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients
• Often marketed as convenient, affordable, or even “healthy” options

Common Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods:

• Sugary cereals and toaster pastries
• Packaged snack cakes, cookies, and chips
• Frozen dinners and microwavable meals
• Fast food items like burgers, nuggets, and fries
• Processed meats such as deli slices, sausages, and hot dogs
• Sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and flavored juice drinks

Why They’re Dangerous:

Many UPFs are formulated with emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, and other synthetic compounds that can:

• Disrupt gut microbiota
• Promote insulin resistance and inflammation
• Increase the risk of chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and liver dysfunction

Emerging research now confirms what many health professionals have long suspected. Regular consumption of UPFs can lead to serious, lasting health consequences.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits

Lawsuits against ultra-processed food manufacturers are grounded in a growing body of peer-reviewed research showing that high consumption of UPFs leads to serious health risks. These findings provide a critical foundation for mass tort litigation and support the claims being filed nationwide.

April 2025 – Pediatric Obesity Study (Pediatric Obesity Journal)

A comprehensive U.S.-based study found that children who consumed the highest levels of ultra-processed foods were 61% more likely to be obese compared to those with lower intake. This data highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable age groups and strengthens claims involving childhood illness.

March 2025 – JAMA Meta-Analysis

A landmark analysis published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) established a clear connection between high UPF consumption and increased rates of Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction, especially among adolescents and young adults.

March 2025 – PubMed Mortality Review

An umbrella review of global studies, published on PubMed, confirmed that diets high in UPFs significantly raise the risk of all-cause mortality, particularly due to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Researchers cited systemic inflammation and disrupted gut microbiota as likely mechanisms of harm.

Why This Matters for Your Case

These studies help establish legal causation, showing that the risks of ultra-processed foods were not only foreseeable but scientifically validated. As more research emerges, the body of evidence continues to grow stronger.

Mass Tort vs. Class Action: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the structure of these lawsuits is key to knowing your rights. While many people are familiar with class action lawsuits, ultra-processed food cases are being filed as mass torts—and the difference matters.

Class Action

• All plaintiffs are grouped into a single case
• One settlement is divided equally among everyone
• Individual stories and levels of harm are not factored into compensation

Mass Tort

• Each plaintiff has their own individual claim
• Settlements are based on your unique illness, expenses, and circumstances
• You retain more control over your case and legal path
• Your experience is recognized and valued

Why Mass Torts Are Better for This Case Type

Because ultra-processed food exposure varies by person—diet habits, diagnoses, severity of illness—mass torts offer a fairer and more accurate path to justice.

At Trey Harrell Law, we’re experienced in the unique demands of mass tort litigation. We make sure your story is heard, your evidence is documented, and your case is built for maximum impact.

You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to settle for being treated like just another case number.

Why These UPF Cases Matter

This legal effort goes beyond financial recovery. It’s about holding corporations accountable for decades of deception, denial, and damage. Ultra-processed foods didn’t just appear in pantries overnight. They were deliberately engineered, aggressively marketed, and strategically positioned to replace whole, nutritious meals—particularly in underserved communities.

Who Has Been Most Harmed:

• Children and adolescents, targeted through advertising, school programs, and colorful packaging
• Working families in food deserts with limited access to fresh, affordable alternatives
• Health-conscious consumers, misled by deceptive labels like “natural,” “heart-healthy,” or “whole grain”

For years, food giants profited from products they knew were linked to disease. These lawsuits are a way for families to say, “Enough.”

By coming forward, you’re not only seeking justice for yourself or your child—you’re helping protect future generations from falling into the same trap.

What’s the UPF Lawsuit Timeline?

These lawsuits are still in the early stages of development. As of now, there is no global settlement or finalized multidistrict litigation (MDL), but individual claims are being actively filed and investigated nationwide.

When enough cases with similar facts are filed, the courts may move to consolidate them into an MDL. This allows the legal system to efficiently evaluate common evidence, identify patterns of harm, and move toward potential settlements or trial.

Why Early Filing Matters:

• Preserve your legal rights before time limits (statutes of limitations) expire
• Ensure your case is documented while evidence—like medical records and product exposure—is fresh and accessible
• Help shape the national litigation, adding momentum and increasing pressure on defendants

Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify or if your diagnosis was recent, filing early can make a difference. Many claimants wait too long and lose their opportunity to seek compensation.

Our legal team is prepared to review your case immediately and help you understand where your claim fits in the larger legal picture.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits

What qualifies as an ultra-processed food?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial products made with ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen. These foods often contain:

• Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• Emulsifiers and stabilizers
• High-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or synthetic additives

They are typically pre-packaged, ready-to-eat, and engineered for shelf life and hyper-palatability. Common examples include sugary cereals, packaged snacks, fast food, and frozen meals.

If a large portion of your diet included these foods over time—and you’ve developed a related chronic illness—you may have a valid claim.

Is this a class action lawsuit?

No. This is a mass tort, which is different from a class action.

In a mass tort, each case is filed individually and reviewed based on the plaintiff’s unique medical history, condition, and level of harm. This structure ensures:

• More personalized settlements
• Greater control over your case
• Stronger legal representation tailored to your story

Mass torts are ideal when many people are injured in similar ways—but to different degrees.

How long do I have to file?

Your ability to file depends on your state’s statute of limitations, which sets a legal deadline for product liability claims.

In many cases, the clock starts ticking from:

• The date of diagnosis
• The date you connected your illness to ultra-processed food exposure
• A discovery date determined by your attorney

Because each case is different, it’s critical to contact a lawyer now—even if you’re unsure of your timeline. Waiting too long could permanently bar your claim.

What kind of evidence do I need?

Don’t worry if you haven’t saved every receipt. We help you build your case using:

• Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment
• Dietary history, including brand names and product patterns
• Witness statements, if applicable
• Supporting research and expert documentation to connect your condition to UPF exposure

Our legal team guides you through every step—we don’t expect you to come in with everything figured out.

Will it cost me anything?

No. You will never pay upfront to file or pursue your claim.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing out of pocket
• We only get paid if we win or settle your case
• All initial consultations and case evaluations are 100% free

You have nothing to lose—and potentially a great deal to gain.

Why Choose Trey Harrell?

At Trey Harrell Law, we believe in protecting people—not just pursuing cases. Our firm is built on the principle that legal help should be accessible, personal, and powerful.

We’re a South Carolina-based law firm with a national reach, representing clients in complex product liability cases across the U.S. When you work with us, you’re not just a case file—you’re a client we’re committed to guiding every step of the way.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Experienced in complex litigation, including dangerous product and injury claims
• Trusted by clients nationwide for our results, responsiveness, and compassion
• Transparent and honest, so you always know what’s happening with your case
• A human-first approach, where we take time to listen, explain, and advocate

We know these cases can feel overwhelming. That’s why we keep the process simple, the language clear, and your needs at the center of everything we do.

Let’s hold these corporations accountable—together.

Stay Informed with Case Updates

As the ultra-processed foods lawsuits continue to grow, new developments are unfolding regularly. Our legal team monitors all major updates so you don’t have to.

Bookmark this page or ask to receive updates about:

• State-level legislation targeting harmful food additives
• Mass tort consolidation into multidistrict litigation (MDL)
• Major settlement announcements and corporate responses

You’ll stay informed, empowered, and ready to take action if and when your case progresses.

Because when it comes to your health and your rights—knowledge is power.

Start Your Free Case Review Today

No fees. No pressure. Just answers.

If you or your child developed a serious illness after years of exposure to ultra-processed foods, now is the time to explore your legal options. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard.

The sooner we review your case, the better we can prepare it for what’s ahead.