Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit

Millions of people around the world eat ultra processed foods every day. These pre-packaged foods can make snacks and mealtime simpler. However, amid concerns surrounding exponentially increasing rates of obesity and related health conditions globally, ultra processed foods have received growing attention for their role in this epidemic.

If you or a loved one regularly ate ultra processed foods and developed type 2 diabetes or non-fatty liver disease before the age of 18, you could be eligible for this lawsuit. We explain more about what ultra processed foods are, the companies involved in the lawsuit, the lawsuit’s claims, and how to join.

What are ultra processed foods?

Most food in a grocery store is processed in some way. However, the most significant health risks for consumers lie in ultra processed foods.

The NOVA classification system breaks foods into four categories:

• Unprocessed foods, like raw fruits and veggies, which are ready to eat fresh
• Processed culinary ingredients, like butter or olive oil, which need basic refining, grinding, etc.
• Processed foods, like bread or canned items, that need pickling, fermentation, curing, etc.
• Ultra processed foods, like most packaged snack food, breakfast cereal, and frozen dinners

Ultra processed foods, sometimes called highly processed foods, typically go through a series of processes to reach their final form on the shelf of a convenience store. They often include artificial coloring, preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and other chemical additives. These substances can enhance flavor and extend the items’ shelf life. The nutritional value of ultra processed foods varies, but many are not a significant source of nutrients, protein, or fiber. Instead, they are more often high in calories, salt, sugar, and saturated fats. 

Here’s what the four categories look like in regards to just one ingredient, an apple:

Ultra processed foods offer a quicker, easier, and cheaper alternative to their less processed counterparts. This can make them even more appealing.

Health consequences of an ultra processed diet

Like many things in life, ultra processed food can be fine in moderation. An occasional snack or soda will not typically have serious, long-term consequences. 

However, many consumers do not eat ultra processed foods in moderation; one study suggested these foods make up around 60% of the average American diet. Among children, this number rises closer to 70% of their diet.

New studies have been consistently published over the past two decades showing an increase in consumption of ultra processed food and the health concerns associated with it.

A diet high in ultra processed foods may cause a variety of health issues, including weight gain or obesity, non-fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Research has even suggested that people whose diets are more significantly made up of ultra processed foods may have a higher chance of developing cancer.

What is the ultra processed foods lawsuit?

This lawsuit is not simply whether ultra processed foods are unhealthy or whether making them a large part of your diet carries health risks—this has consistently proven to be the case. Instead, the issue at hand is whether companies like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, PepsiCo, Mars, General Mills, WK Kellogg, and Coca-Cola have intentionally designed and marketed their products to be addictive in spite of the health risks of regularly consuming them.

The lawsuits being brought against these companies allege they are aware their products are harmful, yet they “deliberately engineered them to be as addictive as possible.” The lawsuit claims the companies are operating similarly to cigarette manufacturers in creating an addictive product, with the addition of often colorful, fun marketing often targeted at children. They say ultra processed foods can trigger cravings, compulsive use, and even psychoactive effects. These children may then develop early-onset chronic disease like diabetes and liver disease.

Examples of foods produced by companies named in the lawsuit

The companies named in this lawsuit produce the majority of readily available, ultra processed foods found in stores around the world. What are some examples of their products? 

Join the ultra processed foods lawsuit

The ultra processed foods lawsuit focuses on individuals under 30 who regularly ate ultra processed foods in childhood and were diagnosed with diabetes or non-fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis before the age of 18. 

People who experienced these injuries could be owed a settlement from the manufacturers, which are Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Mars, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Conagra, General Mills, WK Kellogg, Post Holding, and Nestlé (US arm).

If you believe you may qualify to join this lawsuit, contact us today for a free and confidential legal consultation.

Woods & Woods, LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by or associated with Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Mars, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Conagra, General Mills, WK Kellogg, Post Holding, or Nestlé, and their names are used here only for identifying those companies named in the lawsuit.