Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Updates
Key Study Strengthens Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits
A landmark study published in JAMA explored the link between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity, analyzing data from the CHILD Cohort Study. The research, involving 2,217 children, found that nearly 50% of their daily energy intake came from these foods. Higher consumption at age 3 was associated with increased BMI, waist-to-height ratio, and skinfold thickness by age 5, especially in boys. For each 10% rise in intake, boys showed higher adiposity markers and a 19% increased risk of obesity. This evidence is crucial for lawsuits against food manufacturers accused of contributing to childhood obesity.
Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods for Toddlers
A study from the Catholic University of Valencia highlights the potential risks of excessive ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in toddlers. The research suggests that frequent UPF consumption can result in narrower gaps between baby teeth, leading to misalignment as adult teeth emerge, due to the lack of chewing required by soft foods. Additionally, UPFs, including sugary cereals and frozen meals, are linked to metabolic issues, chronic inflammation, and diseases such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Legal action in the U.S. accuses food manufacturers of neglecting to disclose these health risks.
Heinz Seeks to Move Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit to Federal Court
Kraft Heinz has filed a Notice of Removal to transfer the recent ultra-processed food lawsuit from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, citing diversity jurisdiction. The company argues that, despite listing Pittsburgh as its “principal executive office,” its true corporate headquarters is in Illinois, where key executives operate. This strategy is viewed as an attempt to manipulate jurisdictional rules in its favor by moving the case to a potentially more favorable federal court, creating inconsistencies with its public identification of Pittsburgh as its headquarters.
Surge in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Linked to Health Risks
A study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that more than half of U.S. adults' at-home calories come from ultra-processed foods, a trend that has steadily increased. These foods, which include additives like emulsifiers, sweeteners, and preservatives, are associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. Data from 34,000 adults showed that ultra-processed food intake remains high across all demographics, with a decline in minimally processed foods due to affordability and convenience challenges. Experts emphasize the need for clearer nutrition labels and policy interventions to help consumers make healthier choices.
Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit: Background
Picture huge corporations using colorful packaging, cheerful characters, and enticing prizes to get children hooked on dangerous chemicals, reaping the profits as an ailing population grows sicker. This may sound like a horror movie plot, but recent lawsuits say it’s the reality of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
UPFs begin with real foods that are fractioned, mixed with chemical additives, and molded into edible substances resembling foods. Often packed full of added sugars, preservatives, modified fats, and artificial colors, these “Frankenfoods” are far removed from any food found in nature. Though this description may sound offputting, UPFs are often hyper-palatable—multiplying their addictive properties.
With such an alarming description, it may seem like these products would be easy to avoid. But disturbingly, UPFs can be difficult to spot, often masquerading as normal additions to a well-rounded diet. There’s a good chance they even make up a substantial part of your child’s daily nourishment, with 67% of American kids’ caloric intake coming from UPFs.
UPFs include common products such as:
- Packaged breads
- Hot dogs and deli meats
- Canned, packaged, and dehydrated soups
- Flavored and sweetened yogurts
- Margarine and buttery spreads
- Sweetened and fruit-flavored juices
- Baby formulas and snacks
- Meal replacement drinks
- Frozen, microwaveable, and pre-prepared meals
- Instant noodles, like ramen and macaroni and cheese
- Chips and crackers
- Packaged snack cakes, cookies, pastries, and other desserts
- Many breakfast cereals and bars
- Sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks
- Fast food burgers, fries, and other convenience foods
- Artificially flavored ice creams and frozen snacks
- Candy
Manufacturers aggressively market UPFs as delicious, convenient, and even healthy food choices—leading customers to feel safe consuming the highly addictive products and feeding them to their children.
The US population is suffering more than ever from chronic illness—backed by scientific research, the public is increasingly pointing at UPFs. Ultra-processed food lawsuits have the potential to grow into a class action complaint, providing victims and their families an opportunity to hold UPF producers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
The Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods
Enjoying an ultra-processed food (UPF) now and then isn’t typically a health concern, but manufacturers didn’t design these products for infrequent indulgence. They’re intended to be as addictive as possible.
UPFs first arrived on the market in the 1980s, when Big Tobacco companies purchased food corporations. Since then, UPFs have been engineered with tactics successfully used by the tobacco industry to keep consumers coming back for more.
From their chemical composition to relentless marketing campaigns, UPFs are incredibly addictive. Research shows that 14% of adults and 15% of kids worldwide are addicted to UPFs.
These addictions come with major health consequences. Frequent consumption of UPFs can lead to serious health problems that are becoming more and more common, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Dementia
- Mental disorders
- Gastrointestinal problems and diminished gut health
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic inflammation
- Cancer
If you or your child developed a chronic health condition after regular UPF consumption, you may be eligible to pursue legal remedies. Sign up today to have your case reviewed by an attorney in the OCA network free of charge.
Which Companies And Products Are Named In The Lawsuits?
The ultra-processed food lawsuits name popular, trusted food manufacturers and products like:
- The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola beverages)
- Conagra Brands, Inc. (Slim Jim, Chef Boyardee)
- General Mills, Inc. (Betty Crocker, Cheerios, Lucky Charms)
- Kellogg’s/Kellanova (Frosted Flakes, Pop-Tarts)
- Kraft Heinz Company, Inc. (Capri Sun, Heinz, Kraft, Oscar-Meyer)
- Mars Incorporated, Inc. (M&M’s, Snickers, Starburst)
- Mondelēz International, Inc. (Chips Ahoy!, Nabisco, Oreo, Ritz)
- Nestlé USA, Inc. (Hot Pockets, Stouffer’s, Toll House)
- PepsiCo, Inc. (Frito-Lay products, Gatorade, Pepsi)
- Post Holdings, Inc. (Honey Bunches of Oats, Pebbles)
What Do The Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits Allege?
The complaints make serious claims against these food manufacturing powerhouses, including that:
- They failed to warn consumers of the dangers of consuming UPFs.
- They intentionally designed UPFs to be as addictive as possible.
- They used predatory marketing tactics—often specifically, intentionally, and aggressively targeting children—to make UPFs look attractive, convenient, or healthy.
- Despite evidence of the risks, they continued producing and marketing UPFs, leading to severe and chronic health problems for consumers.
Who Is Eligible For The Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits?
To qualify for the ultra-processed food lawsuits, you or your child must have been diagnosed with a qualifying health condition after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Qualifying injuries include:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Mental health disorders
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Other chronic conditions
Various factors impact eligibility and all cases are unique. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility.
How Can Families Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods?
It shouldn’t have to be a consumer’s responsibility to ensure the foods they purchase are safe. But, unfortunately, the ultra-processed food controversy has once again called into question the trustworthiness of corporate giants.
Consumers can ensure they make healthy choices for themselves and their family members by learning to identify and avoid UPFs. Here’s how:
- Avoid foods that are frequently ultra-processed, like sugary cereals, margarine, snack cakes, frozen meals, flavored yogurt, etc.
- Thoroughly read ingredient lists. Look for hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, food coloring, and any chemicals and ingredients you don’t recognize.
- Prioritize products with shorter ingredient lists containing recognized food ingredients.
- Whenever possible, cook at home with whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats.
- Choose water over soft drinks, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages.
I Want To Join The Lawsuit—How Much Does It Cost?
If you or a loved one are dealing with a chronic health condition caused by ultra-processed foods, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and economic uncertainty. Financial constraints should not be a barrier to seeking the accountability you deserve.
That’s why lawyers in the OCA network never require upfront payment. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your attorney is paid a percentage of your compensation only if your case is successful.
How Do I Seek Compensation?
The ultra-processed food litigation is still in its early stages, but a favorable outcome will require negligent food manufacturers to take accountability. It may also provide damages to compensate victims for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earning potential.
If you believe you qualify for the UPF lawsuit, start your journey toward justice today and stay updated by filling out the form at the top of the page. An attorney in the OCA network will review your case, determine your eligibility, and help you take the next steps toward preserving your legal rights.
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