Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit – April 2025 Update

People are filing lawsuits against ultra-processed food (UPF) manufacturers because these companies have sold and marketed foods that have multiple negative impacts on people’s health. Injuries associated with consuming large amounts of UPFs include an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, heart failure, cancer, irritable bowel disease, and kidney disease. These diseases are increasingly common in children who eat large quantities of UPFs.

Some of the largest food manufacturers in the world are responsible for producing commonly consumed UPFs. These manufacturers include Kraft-Heinz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, and Nestle. In a groundbreaking lawsuit, several of these multinational corporations have been named as defendants potentially guilty of negligence and manufacturing products intentionally designed to be addictive, especially to children. The companies have also been accused of failing to warn consumers and parents about the potential harm associated with consuming these foods. Litigation remains active and is in its early stages.

Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit Timeline & News – April 2025

+

What Are the Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits About? 

While nearly all food that we eat goes through some level of processing, ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are those that have undergone extensive processing. Some scientists have noted that UPFs should no longer be classified as foods but instead be classified as edible substances, which contain numerous additives and chemicals to make them more palatable. 

Studies show that consuming UPFs significantly increases a person’s risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Legal documents filed against major UPF manufacturers, such as Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle, allege that the products are also partially responsible for the extraordinary rise of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic liver disease in children. The multi-national corporations are accused of knowingly targeting children in marketing despite knowing the risks of harm associated with consuming these goods.  

Young people or parents of minor children who have experienced adverse health conditions after consuming ultra-processed foods are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine if they may be eligible for compensation.

Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Information
Lawsuit Overview:	Individuals are filing personal injury and product liability lawsuits against manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, alleging consumption of the products resulted in serious harm.
Main Injuries:	Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children, hypertension, depression, hormonal or digestive tract cancers, or other diet-related conditions.
Defendants:	Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestle, Kellogg, Mars, ConAgra
Type of Lawsuit	Personal injury and product liability
Have There Been Settlements?	Not currently
Active Lawsuit?	Yes

Why Are People Filing Ultra-Processed Lawsuits? 

People are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, alleging the products have resulted in significant harm. Experts believe that consuming UPFs has led to an alarming increase in the number of children diagnosed with chronic health conditions that were once mainly diagnosed in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

Legal documents accuse corporations that manufacture UPFs of knowingly producing a product that can cause harm and failing to warn consumers about the dangers of consumption. It is further alleged these companies intentionally targeted children. Children whose diet primarily consists of ultra-processed foods often have long-term health problems that require long-term treatment. These conditions can cause staggering medical bills and diminish a person’s quality of life. 

Parents of children who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or diet-related conditions after consuming ultra-processed foods are encouraged to contact an attorney to determine whether they may be eligible to take legal action. 

Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Spotlight 

Martinez v. Kraft Heinz, et al.

Plaintiff Bryce Martinez, a citizen of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is suing manufacturers of UPFs, including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. Legal documents allege that the defendants intentionally designed their ultra-processed foods to be addictive and failed to warn consumers about the dangers of consuming them. Martinez was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is attributable to his consumption of UPFs, according to the complaint.  

Whom Are People Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits Against? 

Similar to lawsuits filed against major tobacco companies, such as Philip Morris, plaintiffs are filing lawsuits against multinational corporations that manufacture ultra-processed foods. In some cases, the tobacco companies that paid out billions of dollars for their false and misleading claims now own the companies that manufacture UFPs. They have been accused of using the same tactics to develop and promote these potentially dangerous substances.

These are some of the defendants listed in existing lawsuits:

Information for some of the defendants is listed below. 

Defendant: Kraft Heinz Company, Inc. 

According to its website, Kraft Heinz is the world's fifth-largest food and beverage company. It is a successor to tobacco giant Philip Morris and manufactures everything from ketchup to cream cheese. The company has been named in lawsuits regarding its ultra-processed foods. Allegations include that the company intentionally designed the products to be addictive and failed to warn consumers about the dangers of consuming them.

Popular products manufactured by Kraft Heinz: 

Defendant: Mondelez International, Inc. 

Mondelez International is a global food company that manufactures some of the most popular snack brands in the world. It is a successor to R.J. Reynolds Industry, a well-known tobacco company. 

Popular brands manufactured by Mondelez:

Defendant: ConAgra Brands, Inc. 

ConAgra Brands, Inc., is an American food manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company is responsible for producing a number of popular packaged products. 

Popular brands manufactured by ConAgra:

Defendant: Post Holdings, Inc. 

Post Holdings, Inc. is a corporation headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Legal documents allege that the company manufactured goods with a defective design that caused consumers serious harm, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. 

Popular brands manufactured by Post Holdings:

Defendant: The Coca-Cola Company 

Established in 1886, the Coca-Cola Company is one of the largest beverage companies in the world. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently has over 200 beverage brands. 

Popular brands manufactured by Coca-Cola:

Defendant: PepsiCo, Inc. 

PepsiCo is a multinational corporation responsible for manufacturing a wide variety of snacks and beverages. The company is headquartered in New York and has been named in lawsuits related to the dangers of ultra-processed foods. 

Foods and beverages manufactured by PepsiCo:

Defendant: General Mills, Inc. 

General Mills is a food processing company responsible for manufacturing various packaged goods. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Brands manufactured by General Mills: 

Defendant: Nestle USA, Inc. 

Nestle USA is a corporation responsible for manufacturing many well-known snacks and beverages. It is headquartered in Arlington, Virgina, and is the subject of lawsuits related to the harms of ultra-processed foods.

Brands associated with Nestle:

Defendant: Kellanova, WK Kellogg Co., Mars Incorporated, Inc. 

Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co. are successors to the Kellogg Company. In 2023, the company separated its North American cereal business, resulting in two independent companies. Kellanova manufactures Kellogg’s cereals, while WK Kellogg Co. is responsible for the production of snacks and other foods. These products are generally considered ultra-processed foods, which may be harmful to human health. 

Popular brands manufactured by the Kellogg Company: 

Allegations Against These Manufacturers 

Allegations against manufacturers of ultra-processed foods include that the companies knew that their products were unsafe and failed to warn consumers. Further accusations include that the companies purposefully targeted vulnerable populations, such as children, and used deceptive marketing techniques. In many instances, the manufacturers are subsidiaries of giants from the tobacco industry who employed the same techniques to manufacture and market these goods to consumers.  

What Stage is the Processed Food Lawsuit In? 

Ultra-processed food lawsuits are in their earliest stages,  with complaints recently filed in state and federal courts. If multiple lawsuits are filed nationwide, the cases may be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). An MDL helps to streamline the pretrial process and make litigating cases more efficient for all parties. Individuals affected by health conditions related to consumption of UPFs are encouraged to speak to an attorney to determine whether they may be eligible to take legal action. 

In January 2025, a groundbreaking lawsuit was filed against major snack food manufacturers who are known for producing ultra-processed foods. This lawsuit is expected to set a precedent for future litigation. 

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? 

The Nova Food Classification System was designed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It groups foods into four different categories: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods. Unlike foods in the other groups, ultra-processed foods are almost entirely made up of substances taken from foods or synthesized in laboratories. These foods are sometimes referred to as edible substances since they contain very little unprocessed or minimally processed food. 

Common types of ultra-processed foods:

• Sweetened juice drinks
• Pre-prepared, packaged foods
• Pastries and cakes
• Sports or energy drinks
• Fast food
• Soda
• Candy and chocolates
• Packaged breads
• Ice cream and frozen desserts
• Cookies
• Chips
• Breakfast cereals and bars

Studies have shown that ultra-processed foods now make up over half of the total dietary energy consumed by youth in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Ingredients in ultra-processed foods often consist of chemicals designed to prolong the product's shelf life and enhance the flavor of the product.

How Are Ultra-Processed Foods Made? 

Unlike whole foods or minimally processed foods, ultra-processed foods are generally made with products produced in a laboratory. Little, if any, unprocessed food is in the final product. Instead, UPFs are made using substances derived from foods and additives that enhance flavor and shelf life.

Ultra-processed foods usually undergo multiple processes prior to packaging. Manufacturing techniques may include but are not limited to molding, extrusion, and preprocess frying.  

Common Ingredients in Ultra-Processed Foods

As awareness about the dangers of ultra-processed foods grows, many experts recommend avoiding the products as much as possible. Some processing, such as pasteurization and canning, can protect people from pathogens. However, the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to negative health effects, due to the synthetic, artificial, and highly processed ingredients.

Common ingredients in ultra-processed foods:

• Acrylamide
• Acrolein 
• Heterocyclic amines (HCAs)
• Artificial colors and flavors
• Emulsifiers
• Stabilizers
• High fructose corn syrup
• Sugar substitutes
• Invert sugar
• Modified starches
• Hydrogenated oils

UPFs are often identifiable because they contain five or more ingredients, have additives, or possess ingredients not typically found in nature.

What Are the Dangers of Eating Ultra-Processed Foods? 

Research shows that the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods can result in significant harm. From chronic health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and obesity, to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children, these foods can pose real dangers to someone’s health. Young individuals or parents of children diagnosed with these diseases after consuming UPFs are encouraged to seek legal counsel.

What Diseases Can Be Caused By Ultra-Processed Foods? 

Type-2 Diabetes 

One of the most common problems associated with consuming too many ultra-processed foods is that it may lead to type-2 diabetes. One study found that for every 10% increase in UPF intake, there was a 12% higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Another study found that there was a 72% positive association between the two. 

Legal documents further allege that the increase in childhood type-2 diabetes may be attributable to the increased availability and consumption of ultra-processed foods. While advances in medicine have made the disease manageable, it may require lifelong treatment, resulting in high medical bills, lost work opportunities, and a diminished quality of life.

Fatty-Liver Disease 

Rates of fatty liver disease, a condition once reserved for older adults, have also increased significantly as diets are made up of more ultra-processed foods. The diagnosis is now made in 5 to 10% of children in the U.S., making it as prevalent as asthma. Most experts believe that this trend, particularly when it comes to children being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is attributable to a large consumption of ultra-processed foods.

As with type-2 diabetes, advances in medicine have made fatty liver disease and its symptoms manageable. However, the prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. Diagnosing it early is often critical to ensuring a successful outcome.

Stroke and Heart Disease

Researchers in Canada found that ultra-processed foods were responsible for over one-third of heart and stroke fatalities in the country. A 50% increase in UPF intake was associated with a 45% increase in the number of stroke and heart disease cases. 

Thousands of lives are lost each year to stroke and heart disease. It is believed that many of these lives could be saved by reducing UPF intake.

Ultra-Processed Foods and Children 

It is estimated that ultra-processed foods make up more than half of children’s diets in places like the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The rise of UPFs in the 1980s corresponded with a significant increase in childhood diseases that were previously found mainly in the adult population, such as type-2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

How Ultra-Processed Foods May Harm Children 

Ultra-processed foods may harm children in a variety of ways. It is believed that the rise in childhood obesity and diseases previously uncommon during adolescence may be attributable to the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods from an early age. These foods often have little or no nutritional value and high-calorie content. Children who consume large amounts of UPFs usually fail to get the nutrients they need since their diet is not well-balanced.

Ultra-Processed Foods and Childhood Obesity 

Ultra-processed foods generally contain little to no nutritional value. At the same time, they usually have a high-calorie content. When children replace whole foods with UPFs, they may fail to get the nutrient-rich substance they need to fuel their bodies. 

How Companies Market Ultra-Processed Foods to Children 

Legal documents allege that major food companies, known for manufacturing ultra-processed foods, used unscrupulous tactics to market to children. In some cases, the parent companies were even giants of big tobacco. 

Marketing strategies employed by ultra-processed foods manufacturers:

• Vivid packaging
• Inaccurate or misleading health claims
• Social media campaigns
• Celebrity endorsements
• Advertising at stadiums, theme parks, and schools
• Use of cartoon mascots
• Child-sized packaging

Studies Linking Ultra-Processed Foods and Liver, Pancreas, and Heart Disease 

There are several studies that link the consumption of ultra-processed foods to liver, pancreas, and heart disease. A study out of Harvard’s School of Public Health found that people who consumed the most amount of ultra-processed foods had a 4% higher risk of mortality and an 8% higher risk of mortality related to neurodegenerative diseases compared to those who ate the least amount. It also linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to 32 different health conditions, including heart disease and type-2 diabetes.

A review of 43 studies on the matter found that at least one adverse health outcome was reported in 37 of them, and there was no association between UPFs and beneficial health outcomes.

Important Study: Association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause and cause specific mortality: population based cohort study
A study published in The BMJ on May 8, 2024, found that the consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with 32 different health conditions. Researchers ​​at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that UPFs account for over 60% of daily calories in the U.S. According to the study, individuals who consumed the most UPFs faced a 4% higher risk of mortality and an 8% higher risk of mortality from neurodegenerative diseases.

Overview: Association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause and cause specific mortality: population based cohort study
Description of Study	A population-based cohort study to determine the association between consumption of ultra-processed food and mortality.
Published In	The BMJ
Study Authors	Zhe Fang, Sinara Laurini Rossato, Dong Hang, Neha Khandpur, Kai Wang, Chun-Han Lo, Walter C Willett, Edward L Giovannucci, Mingyang Song
Number of Participants	74, 563 women and 39, 501 men
Findings	At least 32 adverse health outcomes and a higher rate of mortality were associated with consuming ultra-processed foods.

What Damages Can People Sue Ultra-Processed Food Manufacturers For? 

Individuals or parents of children who have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or another diet-related condition after consuming ultra-processed foods may be eligible to file a lawsuit. If successful, plaintiffs may receive damages related to economic and non-economic losses. 

Damages in an ultra-processed food lawsuit:

• Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills related to the care and treatment of any diet-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. 
• Lost wages: Recovery related to lost income due to consuming ultra-processed foods. Injuries may result in time off work for medical treatments or a future loss of earning capacity due to a long-term or permanent disability. 
• Pain and suffering: Compensation related to physical pain or emotional suffering caused by UPF-related chronic conditions or injuries. 
• Diminished quality of life: Recovery related to a diminished quality of life resulting from the illness or injury. The injury must be related to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. 
• Punitive damages: Compensation awarded when a defendant acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
• Legal fees and costs: Damages associated with any attorney’s fees or court costs resulting from the case. 

Who Qualifies to File an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit? 

In order to file an ultra-processed food lawsuit, each person has to meet certain eligibility requirements. Our legal partners are focusing on the specific cases based on the eligibility criteria listed below: 

• Proof of consumption of ultra-processed foods for at least 2 years
• Diagnosis of type-2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease before the age of 18
• Proof of damages related to your diagnosis

What Proof Do You Need to File an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit? 

In order to file a successful ultra-processed food lawsuit, plaintiffs must provide substantial evidence. Evidence that may be necessary to strengthen your case includes your medical records, financial statements, expert testimony, and witness statements. Due to the complex nature of ultra-processed food lawsuits, it is strongly recommended that potential plaintiffs speak with an attorney as early in the process as possible.

Necessary evidence in an ultra-processed food lawsuit:

• Medical records providing proof of a UPF-related health condition such as type-2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Personal statements about how your diagnosis has impacted your quality of life.
• Financial statements proving out-of-pocket losses.
• Job records showing missed work or a decline in performance.
• Proof of consumption of ultra-processed foods, particularly in childhood.
• Witness statements about how your diet-related condition affected your life.
• Expert testimony about the potential harm associated with consuming ultra-processed foods. 
• Scientific studies showing an association between UPFs and adverse health events.

7 Steps to File an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit 

There are several steps necessary to file an ultra-processed food lawsuit. The best way to ensure that the proper legal process is followed is by consulting with an attorney. An attorney can help provide the guidance and resources needed to file a successful claim against the manufacturers of these products.

These are the 7 steps for filing an ultra-processed food lawsuit: 

1. Consult with an attorney: The first step in a lawsuit is to consult with an attorney well-versed in ultra-processed food litigation. An attorney can help to determine eligibility and provide guidance throughout the legal process.
2. Gather necessary evidence: Evidence is needed to support your claim. Necessary documents may include your medical records, financial statements, proof of lost wages, witness statements, and expert opinions. 
3. Determine legal grounds for the lawsuit: Your attorney will provide a detailed case evaluation to determine the legal grounds for the lawsuit, including the type of claim that should be filed. In most instances, plaintiffs will file a product liability or personal injury lawsuit.
4. File the claim: All claims are governed by a state-specific statute of limitations. Lawsuits must be filed within the statute of limitations, or the right to compensation may be denied. If all legal requirements are met, the attorney will file the lawsuit in the appropriate courthouse.
5. Enter into the discovery phase: Once the claim is filed, the lawsuit will enter into the discovery phase. During this phase, both sides will gather and review evidence.
6. Negotiate a settlement: Prior to trial, your attorney may enter into negotiations with the other party to try to reach a fair and favorable settlement.
7. Trial and appeal (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, the matter may go to trial. Even if the outcome of a trial is not successful, there may be the opportunity to appeal. It is important to work closely with your attorney throughout the process to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case.  

What to Expect When Filing an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit

Currently, UPF lawsuits are in their early stages. The process in these lawsuits can be lengthy, but accepting a settlement may expedite the process, and it should be reviewed by an attorney. Cases are generally accepted by attorneys on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. Compensation is expected to vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury and the outcome of the case.

What is the Deadline for Filing an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit? 

The deadline to file an ultra-processed food lawsuit is state-specific and may range between 1 and 6 years. Working with an attorney can help to ensure that your case is filed within the legal deadline and that all potential exceptions are explored. 

In general, the deadline to file an ultra-processed food lawsuit usually starts from the date of injury or the date the injury is discovered. So, if you only recently discovered that UPFs caused your childhood diagnosis, you may still be eligible to file a case. Proper documentation and prompt filing are critical to ensure the largest possible recovery. 

Settlements and Awards From Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits 

While ultra-processed food lawsuits are in their infancy with no settlements reached, potential payouts are estimated to be between $50,000 and $250,000. However, these settlement amounts are not guaranteed and will vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the ability to prove your damages.  

Factors Affecting the Value of These Lawsuits 

Several factors may affect the value of an ultra-processed food lawsuit. An attorney can help to determine the potential value of your case and will assess what factors may affect your payout. 

Factors that may affect your payout:

• Severity of the injury: The more severe the condition, the higher the potential compensation. 
• Impact on the quality of life: A condition that severely affects your quality of life by making it difficult to work or secure gainful employment may result in a higher payout.
• Negligence: negligence by the manufacturer may allow for additional damages. 

Learn More About Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits From Our Legal Team 

Ultra-processed foods have become a staple in many people’s diets, including the diets of children. Unfortunately, these edible substances can cause severe harm, particularly when consumed in large quantities or throughout childhood. Individuals or parents of adolescents diagnosed with a diet-related condition are encouraged to seek legal counsel.

FAQs