Attorney Sarah M. Austin

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere—and now they’re fueling a national health crisis. In this episode of The Carolina Justice Report, Justin Lovely, Amy Lawrence, Sarah Austin and Sharde Crawford discuss the rising litigation against food industry giants whose chemically engineered products have led to type 2 diabetes diagnoses in children.

We break down the NOVA food classification system, reveal how tobacco companies shifted into the food industry using addiction science, and explain why this new wave of lawsuits matters—especially to parents trying to feed their kids on a budget.

If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and there’s no family history, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how you can join the fight to hold these corporations accountable.

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How Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of ultra-processed foods, as recent studies have proven. The high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives can lead to several serious health conditions in those under the age of 18, even when they have no previous family history of the conditions.

Connection Between Ultra-Processed Foods & Type-2 Diabetes

Research indicates a strong correlation between the intake of ultra-processed foods and the development of type-2 diabetes These foods often have a high glycemic index, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause a child to develop insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type-2 diabetes. Notably, cases have recently emerged where children without a family history of diabetes develop the condition, suggesting that diet plays a pivotal role.

Connection Between Ultra-Processed Foods & Fatty Liver Disease

NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver that is unrelated to alcohol consumption. Diets high in fructose and saturated fats, as well as in ultra-processed foods, are significant contributors. The condition can progress to more severe liver diseases if not addressed or if the diet is not adjusted accordingly.

Ultra-Processed Food Type-2 Diabetes Lawsuit Updates

In December 2024, a lawsuit was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against major food companies, including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola. The plaintiff, Bryce Martinez, alleges that he developed type-2 diabetes and NAFLD at the age of 16 and claims they developed due to consuming their ultra-processed products. The lawsuit accuses these companies of marketing addictive and harmful foods to children without notifying them of the potential health risks. The lawsuit draws parallels to tactics historically used by tobacco companies.

On January 31, 2025, a study from the Catholic University of Valencia highlighted additional concerns, showing that ultra-processed foods may impact dental and jaw development in young children. The research study found that children who frequently consumed these types of foods had narrower gaps between baby teeth, potentially leading to misalignment as adult teeth emerged. Beyond dental issues, the study also reinforces the link between ultra-processed foods and metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation, and fatty liver disease. As more lawsuits emerge, legal teams are using this research to demonstrate that food companies failed to warn consumers about the risks.

As of February 4, 2025, lawsuits against ultra-processed food manufacturers are gaining more momentum as new research continues to expose the dangers of these products. On February 4, 2025, a study from JAMA was released from the CHILD Cohort Study that followed over 2,200 children and found that nearly half of their daily calorie intake came from ultra-processed foods. Researchers linked higher consumption at age three to increased BMI and a 19% greater likelihood of obesity by age five, particularly in boys. This growing pool of scientific evidence strengthens the legal claims for a type-2 diabetes lawsuit from ultra-processed food against food manufacturers. These lawsuits are essentially arguing that these companies knowingly marketed unhealthy products that contribute to serious health conditions like type-2 diabetes. If your child has developed type-2 diabetes due to consuming ultra-processed foods, The Lovely Law Firm is ready to provide legal guidance and help you pursue justice if you wish to sue for type-2 diabetes from ultra-processed food.