Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits

In recent years, mounting research has revealed the serious health risks associated with ultra-processed foods, particularly their connection to causing type-2 diabetes in children under 18 [1] who have no family history of the disease. As more families come forward stating they have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes after consuming ultra-processed foods, major food manufacturers are now facing legal trouble for allegedly marketing and selling products that contribute to causing life-altering health conditions. These lawsuits claim that companies knowingly create and promote foods that are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives without properly warning consumers about their potential health risks.

At The Lovely Law Firm, we are committed to keeping you informed about these legal developments and providing guidance if you or a loved one has been affected. If your child has been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, and you suspect ultra-processed foods played a role in the development of this condition, contct a lawyer for type-2 diabetes from ultra-processed food from our team at 843-839-4111 to help you explore your legal options and fight for justice.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods are considered to be industrial formulations that typically contain five or more ingredients, including substances not commonly used in home cooking. Often times these ingredients are modified multiple times before they reach the end of production and contain ingredients such as:

• Chemical preservatives
• Sweeteners
• Artificial colorings
• Flavorings
• Emulsifiers

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be convenient, palatable, and have a long shelf life. Examples of the most popular kinds of ultra-processed foods include:

• Sugary beverages
• Packaged snacks
• Instant noodles
• Processed meats
• Sweetened breakfast cereals

Are Ultra-Processed Foods Dangerous?

Ultra-processed foods are increasingly being recognized as a serious public health concern in the United States due to them being scientifically linked with a range of chronic diseases [2]. Regular consumption of these heavily processed food products has been linked to more than 30 health conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Perhaps most alarming is the connection between ultra-processed foods and type-2 diabetes in children under 18 years old who have no family history of the disease.

Studies have shown that diets high in ultra-processed foods also contribute to metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These health conditions, once primarily seen in adults, are now being diagnosed in younger populations at an alarming rate. Many of the processed foods that our children eat are loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives that can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to long-term health complications.

With growing concerns about these risks, legal action is being taken against major food manufacturers who continue to market and sell ultra-processed foods without adequately warning consumers about their dangers. If you or a loved one has suffered health consequences due to these products, The Lovely Law Firm is here to provide legal guidance and help you seek justice.

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.

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 [3]. 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.

Settlements in Ultra-Processed Foods Type-2 Diabetes Lawsuits

Lawsuits concerning ultra-processed foods and their link to type-2 diabetes in children are in the early stages. Therefore, no settlements have been awarded or agreed upon at this time. The outcomes of these cases could set important precedents for future litigation. Families affected by these issues are encouraged to consult with legal professionals to explore their options if they wish to file a type-2 diabetes lawsuit from ultra-processed food.

Contact A Lawyer For Type-2 Diabetes From Ultra-Processed Food Near You

The increasing amount of studies and awareness of the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods has led to significant lawsuits against major food manufacturers. As research continues to shed light on the impact of these products on our children, it is important for consumers to stay informed and consider the potential long-term effects of their dietary choices.

If your child has been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or NAFLD without a family history of these conditions, and you believe that consumption of ultra-processed foods may be a significant contributing factor, it is very important to seek legal counsel so that you have the best chance at obtaining compensation. The Lovely Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases related to product liability and can not only provide guidance on potential legal actions but also assist you in pursuing compensation if your child has developed type-2 diabetes. For more information or to discuss your case, please contact The Lovely Law Firm.

Resources:

[1] https://cns.utexas.edu/news/research/ultra-processed-foods-pose-unique-dangers-people-type-2-diabetes

[2] https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-ultraprocessed-foods#

[3] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(24)00251-5/fulltext