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Are hazardous substances lurking in your kitchen? If you or a loved one developed Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, or Type 2 Diabetes, you may be entitled to compensation.
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A new study in The Lancet followed over 400,000 women for nearly 16 years and found a clear link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risk of premature death. For every 10% increase in calories from ultra-processed foods, the risk of early mortality rose by 3%. The study concluded that industrialized foods contribute to serious health issues. Children—major consumers of these products—are being diagnosed with conditions like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. In response, many parents have filed lawsuits against companies that design and market ultra-processed foods specifically to appeal to children.
Major food manufacturers have filed an omnibus motion to dismiss claims brought by Bryce Martinez, who alleges that his childhood type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease were caused by consuming ultra-processed foods. The defendants argue the case lacks sufficient legal grounds to proceed. Martinez’s lawsuit is one of several filed by parents asserting similar health harms linked to ultra-processed food consumption in children. As this litigation shows potential to expand, defendants are seeking early dismissal. However, legal observers anticipate that the result will likely be an amended complaint, allowing the case to continue through the courts.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
The ultra-processed food lawsuits name popular, trusted food manufacturers and products like:
The complaints make serious claims against these food manufacturing powerhouses, including that:
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:
Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility.
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:
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 an 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.
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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