Ultra Processed Food Lawsuit
Ultra Processed Food Lawsuit claims are on the rise as more individuals connect their health issues to these heavily processed products. These foods could heighten the chances of obesity, diabetes, and liver disease, particularly in children. Recent lawsuits are now aimed at big food companies for failing to alert the public about these risks. If you or your child have suffered due to ultra-processed foods, you might be entitled to compensation. Check out for a free case review today to see if you qualify.
This is an Active Lawsuit
- Last Updated
Possible Compensation:
- $50.000 - $250.000
Key Ultra Processed Food Lawsuit Takeaways
The ultra processed food lawsuit targets major food companies like Coca-Cola and General Mills for selling harmful foods without proper health warnings.
Lawsuits claim these companies pushed ultra processed foods (UPFs) filled with additives, unhealthy fats, and substances extracted from real ingredients—leading to serious conditions like fatty liver disease, obesity, and mental health disorders.
Common health problems linked to UPFs include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and chronic inflammation—especially in children and vulnerable groups.
These foods are designed for long shelf life, not health. Products like frozen meals, sweetened cereals, and snack foods are made to be tasty and addictive, often replacing minimally processed or whole foods.
Victims can file an ultra processed food lawsuit individually or join a class action to claim compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and long-term health damage.
Payouts may range from $20,000 to over $250,000, depending on the health impact, documentation, and strength of the case.
To qualify, victims must show a pattern of ultra processed food consumption and related health issues caused by the food’s design and ingredients.
A dedicated ultra processed food lawyer can help you prove your case and fight back against the powerful food industry.
Ultra Processed Food Lawsuit Updates (Timeline)
Below, we provide the latest updates on the Ultra Processed Food lawsuit, including recalls, legal actions, and settlement progress. Stay informed about key events that could impact your eligibility for compensation.
A new study in Pediatric Obesity found that kids under 5 who consume ultraprocessed foods are up to 61% more likely to be obese. The research analyzed nearly 900 children, showing a clear trend: the more ultra processed foods consumed, the higher the obesity risk. Obesity in children is strongly tied to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and liver disease, raising concerns about the dangerous impact of selling ultra processed foods. Experts urge families to shift toward an unprocessed diet to help prevent long-term health issues.
A new JAMA study confirms that children who eat high amounts of ultra processed foods face higher obesity rates and related health risks. The dangers are especially pronounced in boys. These findings add to growing concerns about the food system and the long-term effects of ultraprocessed foods. Parents are increasingly holding food companies accountable for selling ultra processed foods without proper warnings.
An umbrella review found that ultra processed food consumption raises the risk of all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. The study warns of the dangerous effects of hydrogenated or interesterified oils and other harmful ingredients in UPFs. Researchers call for major reform in the food system and better awareness of the risks tied to these products.
A lawsuit filed in Philadelphia alleges that ultraprocessed foods caused a 16-year-old, Bryce Martinez, to develop fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. The suit claims major food manufacturers aggressively marketed dangerous junk foods to children. These companies are accused of selling ultra processed foods loaded with additives and hydrogenated oils—without warning consumers of the long-term health risks. This lawsuit is one of many that highlight how the food system is failing to protect America’s children.
A large-scale study published in The Lancet analyzed 15.9 years of health data from over 427,000 people. It found that ultra processed food consumption significantly raises all-cause mortality, especially from circulatory, digestive, and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. The findings support growing concerns that ultra processed foods are dangerous and should be replaced with an unprocessed diet whenever possible.
New warnings from scientists highlight a direct connection between ultraprocessed foods and rising global rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Experts urge deeper research into the food additives, hydrogenated fats, and manufacturing practices behind these products. The goal: to improve consumer awareness and support legal claims from people harmed by addictive and harmful foods.
A study surveying over 50,000 products from stores like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods revealed that 70% of items are ultra processed foods. Even stores marketed as “healthy” sell products with low nutritional value and substances extracted from real food. These results show just how widespread ultra processed foods are in the U.S. food system, making it difficult for families to maintain an unprocessed diet.
A Pennsylvania teen, Bryce Martinez, filed the first official ultra processed food lawsuit against companies like Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at age 16, Bryce claims he became addicted to ultraprocessed foods due to targeted marketing by major food companies. His legal team argues that these corporations sold dangerous foods containing addictive substances, food additives, and hydrogenated oils without warning consumers of the serious health risks. This lawsuit is expected to set the stage for more plaintiffs to take action.
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee released findings confirming that ultra processed foods are dangerous and significantly increase the risk of childhood and adult obesity. The report warns that nutrient-poor, highly processed foods—common in the U.S. food system—are contributing to rising obesity levels and related conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The link between ultra processed food consumption and health decline is pushing more families toward an unprocessed diet and legal action against food manufacturers.
Table of Contents
What Is an Ultra Processed Food Lawsuit?
Well, it’s a legal battle aimed at big food companies for pushing products that can be harmful to our health. These lawsuits argue that consuming ultra processed foods (UPFs) can lead to serious health problems, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, childhood obesity, and heart disease.
Those affected are saying that manufacturers of ultra processed foods—think Coca-Cola and General Mills—didn’t do enough to inform consumers about the serious health risks involved. These risks can include chronic inflammation, mental health issues, weight gain, and a host of other long-term health concerns.
Now, people who have suffered from diets heavy in ultra processed foods are stepping up to seek compensation. Many are drawing parallels to the lawsuits against tobacco companies from years past. Just like tobacco, ultra processed foods often have addictive ingredients, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats. They’re made to last on the shelf, not to provide real nutritional value.
If you or your child are dealing with health problems linked to eating ultra processed foods, you might have a case worth pursuing. A law firm can assist you in filing a claim and standing up to the food industry.
What Are Ultra Processed Foods?
Ultra processed foods (UPFs) are those factory-made items packed with artificial additives, unhealthy fats, and ingredients that have been stripped from their natural sources. These products are churned out by manufacturers aiming to keep costs low, make them delicious, and ensure they last a long time on the shelf.
In contrast to minimally processed or whole foods, UPFs typically lack nutritional value. You’ll find them in the form of frozen meals, sugary breakfast cereals, flavored potato chips, various snacks, and energy drinks. Nowadays, ultra processed foods are everywhere in grocery stores.
Big food companies, like Coca-Cola and others, are pushing ultra processed foods that are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, saturated fats, and hydrogenated oils. These ingredients have been linked to serious health issues such as fatty liver disease, heart problems, mental health disorders, and weight gain.
Regularly eating ultra processed foods can significantly raise your risk of developing serious health conditions. Many people now see ultra processed foods as a threat, much like the products that were once promoted by the tobacco industry.
Common Examples of Ultra Processed Foods
You might be surprised to find that many ultra processed foods are already sitting in your kitchen. They might look perfectly normal, but they often pack in artificial additives, unhealthy fats, and ingredients that have been stripped from their natural sources.
These highly processed foods are churned out by big-name manufacturers and are designed for convenience. However, regularly munching on ultra processed foods could raise your chances of developing fatty liver disease, heart problems, and other chronic health issues.
Here are 10 common ultra processed foods you’re likely to find in U.S. households:
- Sweetened breakfast cereals
- Frozen meals
- Processed meats like hot dogs
- Snack foods (chips, crackers)
- Soda and sugary drinks
- Flavored instant noodles
- Packaged cookies and pastries
- Canned pasta meals
- Artificially flavored yogurts
- Energy bars or protein bars
These items often boast a long shelf life and are marketed by ultra processed food companies as quick and delicious options. But be aware—they’re linked to health risks associated with ultra processed foods, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, weight gain, and other serious health concerns.
How Ultra Processed Foods Can Harm Your Health
Ultra processed foods aren’t just lacking in nutritional value—they’re also tied to some serious health issues. Recent research indicates that eating these kinds of foods can elevate the risk of chronic diseases, particularly among children and those who are more vulnerable.
Big food companies often pack these products with addictive ingredients, unhealthy fats, and various additives to keep them affordable and appealing. Unfortunately, this comes with major health risks that are frequently kept under wraps by food manufacturers and the larger food industry.
Health Risks Linked to Ultra Processed Foods
Type 2 Diabetes
Individuals who consume a lot of ultra processed foods are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These foods typically contain high levels of sugar and hydrogenated fats, which can spike blood sugar levels rapidly.
Fatty Liver Disease
Ultra processed foods are closely associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and even alcoholic fatty liver disease. The excessive fructose, unhealthy fats, and other substances found in these foods can put a strain on the liver, leading to damage over time.
Obesity
Kids who eat more ultra processed foods face a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular issues. These detrimental foods often take the place of healthier options in their diets, resulting in negative health consequences.
Mental Health Impact
A growing concern is how ultra processed foods affect our brains. Research has found connections between these foods and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, likely due to the additives and poor nutritional content.
New 2025 Research on Ultra Processed Foods
Recent studies in 2025 have revealed significant health risks associated with ultra processed food consumption, particularly concerning cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and overall mortality. Below is a summary of these findings:
- Cardiovascular Disease: A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that individuals with the highest intake of ultra processed foods had a 17% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a 23% higher risk of coronary heart disease, and a 9% greater risk of stroke compared to those with the lowest intake.
- Depression: Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that consuming high amounts of ultra processed foods, especially those containing artificial sweeteners, may elevate the risk of developing depression.
- Overall Mortality: An umbrella review published in The BMJ reported that greater exposure to ultra processed foods is associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality rates. American Medical Association+
- Mental Health in Older Adults: A study in BMC Medicine found that consuming four or more servings of ultra processed foods daily is linked to a 10% higher risk of depressive symptoms in older adults.
These findings underscore the potential dangers of ultra processed foods and highlight the importance of adopting diets rich in minimally processed foods to mitigate these health risks.
This is an Active Lawsuit
Can You File a Lawsuit?
If you or your child have developed chronic illnesses after eating ultra-processed foods, you might have a case for legal action. Lawsuits are alleging that big food companies knowingly sold harmful products containing addictive substances, questionable additives, and ingredients that are far from real food—without giving consumers a proper heads-up.
You could be eligible if:
- You or your child have been diagnosed with health issues linked to ultra-processed foods.
- Your diet has included a lot of packaged and processed items, like canned veggies, frozen meals, or snacks.
- Food companies or ultra-processed food manufacturers didn’t inform you about the potential health risks.
A lawyer can help evaluate your claim by looking at your medical records and food history.
Who Can File a Claim?
Both adults and parents of affected children can file a claim. Most cases involve:
- Children who have developed obesity or other health issues due to diets rich in ultra-processed foods.
- Adults facing conditions like fatty liver, diabetes, or heart disease that are connected to harmful and addictive ingredients.
Keep in mind that some state laws might affect who can file. For instance:
- California allows claims against major food manufacturers for deceptive practices.
- New York recognizes the failure to warn consumers as a valid legal basis.
- Texas courts may require more substantial proof of serious health effects caused by specific products.
If you’re uncertain about the laws in your state, our team can help connect you with a local lawyer who knows your rights.
What is the Ultra Processed Food Settlement Amount?
If you’ve been affected by ultra-processed foods, you might be eligible for financial compensation through a lawsuit. These claims typically target big food companies for selling harmful products without giving proper warnings. The amount you could receive varies from case to case, but it can range anywhere from $20,000 to over $250,000, depending on the extent of the damage you’ve experienced.
You might be compensated for:
- Medical expenses related to treating health issues caused by a diet high in ultra-processed foods.
- Long-term health costs, which could include medications or ongoing treatments for negative health effects.
- Emotional distress, particularly for parents whose children have been impacted by low-nutritional-quality foods.
These lawsuits contend that food companies prioritized profit over health by using additives, hydrogenated oils, and ingredients that aren’t truly natural. If your family has tried to stick to unprocessed foods but still faced health issues from everyday items like canned vegetables, you might have a valid case.
This is an Active Lawsuit
How to Start Your Free Case Review
If you or your child have faced serious health issues like fatty liver disease or cardiovascular problems after munching on ultra-processed foods, you might just qualify for a lawsuit.
Here’s the simple process:
1. Fill out our quick intake form
Just share some basic details about your health, symptoms, and how much ultra-processed food you’ve been eating.
2. Provide any medical information you have
If you can, include specifics about diagnoses such as non-alcoholic fatty liver, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions.
3. We’ll take a look at your case
Our team will evaluate your claim and see if any major food companies could be held accountable.
4. Get matched with a lawyer
If you qualify, we’ll connect you with a top-notch law firm that specializes in food lawsuits.
Once you submit your information, expect a response within just a few days. There’s no pressure, and your privacy is always our priority.
Why choose Legal Claim Assistant?
We’re all about making the process of filing a claim for ultra-processed foods as easy and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to support those affected by the processed food industry.
- We link you with leading attorneys who are dedicated to ultra-processed food lawsuits.
- And the best part? You won’t pay a dime unless you win compensation.
- We only partner with lawyers who are ready to take on food corporations and inform consumers about potential health risks.
If you’ve suffered due to ultra-processed foods—whether it’s snack items, processed meats, or products loaded with additives and hydrogenated oils—we’re here to assist you.
Let us help you navigate the legal landscape and safeguard your rights.
This is an Active Lawsuit
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ultra Processed Food Lawsuit
If you’re considering joining an ultra processed food lawsuit, you likely have questions. Below are clear answers to help you understand your rights and options.
Ultra processed foods (UPFs) are made with food additives, saturated fats, and substances extracted from natural ingredients. Examples include snack foods, frozen meals, sweetened cereals, and processed meats.
Despite growing concerns, many baby foods sold by baby food companies still lack strict federal limits. This failure to act has led to ongoing toxic baby food lawsuits and mass legal actions like the toxic baby food MDL.
Most are. They often contain low nutritional value and increase the risk of fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. Unlike minimally processed foods, they are linked to negative health outcomes.
Products with hydrogenated oils, high sugar, and addictive ingredients—like sugary sodas and packaged desserts—are considered among the most harmful.
Plain dry pasta is usually processed food, not ultra-processed. But microwave pasta meals with sauces and additives are classified as ultra processed foods.
An ultra processed food lawsuit can take several months to over a year. The timeline depends on your case details, the law firm handling it, and the actions of the food manufacturers being sued.
Yes. To prove that ultra processed food consumption caused serious health conditions, like non alcoholic fatty liver or mental health disorders, you’ll need medical documentation. A lawyer can guide you through the process.
This is an Active Lawsuit
