Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Ultra-Processed Foods: An Overview

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made predominantly from substances extracted or derived from foods, combined with additives to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life.

Ultra-processed foods typically contain ingredients uncommon in home kitchens, such as high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, flavor enhancers, colorings, emulsifiers, and preservatives.

The NOVA food classification system categorizes foods based on their degree of processing, with UPFs falling into Group 4—the most processed category.

This classification highlights the extensive industrial processes involved in creating UPFs, which often result in products that are calorie-dense and nutritionally imbalanced.

Regular consumption of UPFs has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

A study published in The BMJ found that a 10% increase in UPF intake was associated with a 12% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Research indicates that UPFs can contribute to chronic inflammation and negatively impact gut health, further exacerbating disease risk.

Identifying UPFs involves scrutinizing ingredient lists for artificial additives, sweeteners, and preservatives.

Products with long ingredient lists, especially those containing unfamiliar or synthetic components, are often ultra-processed.

To mitigate health risks, it is advisable to limit UPF consumption and prioritize whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

While UPFs offer convenience, their high content of unhealthy additives and low nutritional value pose significant health risks.

What Popular Foods are Labeled as “Ultra-Processed”?

Ultra-processed foods are commonly found in grocery stores, fast food menus, and vending machines, making them an integral part of many diets despite their health risks.

These foods are characterized by their high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, preservatives, and artificial additives.

Their widespread availability and convenience have contributed to their popularity, but they often lack essential nutrients and are calorie-dense.

Many ultra-processed foods are marketed as affordable and quick meal options, which further increases their appeal.

However, their long ingredient lists and reliance on industrial processing set them apart from minimally processed or whole foods.

Below is a list of commonly consumed ultra-processed food products:

• Sugary beverages like sodas, soft drinks, and energy drinks
• Packaged snacks such as chips, flavored crackers, and flavored potato chips
• Instant noodles and microwavable meals
• Fast food items like burgers, fried chicken, and other fast foods
• Sweetened breakfast cereals
• Pre-packaged desserts, including cookies, cakes, and pastries
• Candies and other sugar-laden treats
• Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and deli slices
• Ice creams and frozen treats with artificial flavoring
• Frozen meals and pre-prepared dinners
• Cans of soup with preservatives and flavor enhancers
• Packaged or mass-produced breads
• Fruit drinks, flavored yogurts, and other sweetened dairy products
• Sports drinks marketed for hydration with high sugar content

What Food Additives in Ultra-Processed Foods are Potentially Harmful?

Ultra-processed foods often contain a variety of additives and food substances that extend shelf life, enhance flavor, and improve texture, but some of these ingredients may pose health risks and most lack nutritional quality.

Artificial preservatives and flavorings can disrupt gut health and contribute to chronic inflammation.

Emulsifiers and stabilizers, commonly found in processed snacks and desserts, have been linked to changes in gut microbiota.

Artificial sweeteners, while calorie-free, can negatively impact metabolism and may increase cravings for sugary foods.

High levels of sodium, found in many ultra-processed foods, are associated with hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Food dyes and coloring agents have been linked to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions.

Below are some common additives in ultra-processed foods that may have adverse health effects:

• Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, saccharin, sucralose)
• High-fructose corn syrup and other added sugars
• Sodium nitrites and nitrates used in processed meats
• Artificial food dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)
• Emulsifiers and stabilizers (e.g., carrageenan, xanthan gum, lecithin)
• Preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, BHA, BHT)
• Flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Hydrogenated or interesterified oils
• Saturated fat

Understanding the potential risks of these additives can help individuals make more informed choices when selecting foods for themselves and their families.

Understanding Food Labels and Public Health Nutrition

Understanding food labels is essential for making informed dietary choices and promoting public health nutrition.

These labels provide critical information about a product’s nutritional content, including serving size, calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients, enabling consumers to assess how a particular food fits into their overall diet.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks, ensuring consistency and reliability.

In 2016, the FDA updated the Nutrition Facts label to make it easier for consumers to see how many calories and added sugars are in a product and to make serving sizes more realistic.

Despite these regulations, interpreting food labels can be challenging due to complex terminology and varying serving sizes.

Consumers should pay close attention to the % Daily Value (%DV) listed on labels, which indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

A %DV of 5% or less is considered low, while 20% or more is high.

This information helps individuals manage nutrient intake, such as limiting saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, which are associated with chronic diseases.

Front-of-package (FOP) labels, such as the Nutri-Score system used in some countries, offer simplified nutrition information to assist consumers in making healthier choices.

However, research has shown that “positive” FOP labels like health stamps or checkmarks can overrate a food’s healthfulness.

Public health advocates have supported initiatives for FOP “warning” labels (e.g., traffic lights or stop signs) to highlight nutrients that are harmful to health in excess, such as sugars and fats in sweetened beverages and ultra-processed snacks.

Health Problems Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations that contain minimal whole foods and are often rich in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.

Their convenience and palatability have led to widespread consumption, but emerging research indicates significant health risks associated with their intake.

Notably, diets high in UPFs have been linked to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The mechanisms underlying these associations include systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysregulation.

Type 2 Diabetes

Consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A study published in Diabetes Care found that a 10% increase in UPF intake correlated with a 12% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

The high levels of added sugars and unhealthy fats in UPFs can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.

Additionally, these foods often have a high glycemic index, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Over time, such dietary patterns can impair glucose metabolism and increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Reducing UPF consumption and focusing on whole, minimally processed foods or unprocessed foods may help mitigate this risk.

Hypertension

Diets rich in ultra-processed foods are linked to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension.

The excessive sodium content commonly found in UPFs contributes to this association.

High sodium intake can lead to water retention and increased blood volume, thereby raising blood pressure.

Moreover, the low potassium content in these foods fails to counterbalance sodium’s effects, exacerbating the problem.

Chronic hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

Limiting the intake of UPFs and choosing fresh, unprocessed or minimally processed foods can aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has been linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

High intake of fructose, commonly found in sugary UPFs, can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.

This accumulation triggers inflammation and oxidative stress, progressing to more severe liver conditions.

Studies have shown that individuals with diets high in UPFs are at a greater risk of developing NAFLD.

Adopting a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can reduce the risk of liver fat accumulation and associated diseases.

Certain Types of Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), has found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with an increased risk of cancer and cardiometabolic diseases.

A growing body of evidence suggests that the consumption of UPFs, which are rich in artificial additives, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, may contribute to the development of cancers such as breast, colorectal, and liver cancer.

The IARC stated that these foods are not only nutritionally poor but also often contain harmful contaminants formed during industrial processing.

UPFs frequently replace whole, nutrient-dense foods in diets, exacerbating the risk of long-term health complications.

To help understand the connection between UPFs and cancer, the IARC highlights key factors:

• Additives and contaminants: UPFs often contain chemical additives and contaminants that may increase cancer risk.
• Obesity link: UPFs contribute to obesity, a known risk factor for several types of cancer.
• Nutritional deficiencies: High UPF intake displaces nutrient-rich foods, potentially leading to deficiencies that impact immune function and cancer prevention.
• Industrial processing by-products: Compounds such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formed during processing, are recognized as carcinogenic.
• Hormonal disruption: Certain additives and packaging materials may interfere with endocrine systems, increasing cancer susceptibility.

The findings from the IARC show the importance of reducing UPF consumption and prioritizing a healthy diet of whole foods, unprocessed or minimally processed foods, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, and other minimally processed foods foods to lower these risks.

Other Potential Health Issues Caused by Ultra-Processed Foods

Beyond the aforementioned conditions, high consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with several other health problems:

• Obesity: UPFs are often energy-dense and low in fiber, leading to overeating and weight gain. Their palatability and convenience can promote excessive calorie intake, contributing to obesity.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: The high levels of trans fats, sugars, and sodium in UPFs can adversely affect heart health, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These components contribute to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Mental Health Disorders: Diets high in UPFs have been associated with a greater risk of depression and anxiety. Nutrient deficiencies and the presence of artificial additives in these foods may impact mental well-being.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Artificial additives and low fiber content in UPFs can disrupt gut microbiota, leading to digestive problems and chronic inflammation. This disruption can affect overall health and disease susceptibility.

Limiting the intake of ultra-processed foods and emphasizing a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can significantly reduce the risk of these health issues.

Making informed dietary choices is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit for Health Problems Suffered by Children

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a significant contributor to the growing health crisis among children, with studies linking these products to serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity.

Designed to be hyper-palatable and addictive, UPFs often contain harmful additives and excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Food companies aggressively market these products to children, using bright packaging, cartoon characters, and digital campaigns that appeal to young audiences.

Many of these foods are deceptively advertised as healthy, using claims like “low fat” or “fortified with vitamins,” which mislead parents about their nutritional value.

The food industry’s failure to warn consumers about the risks of UPF consumption has contributed to an alarming rise in chronic illnesses among children.

These marketing strategies disproportionately affect vulnerable and minority communities, where UPFs often replace healthier food options due to affordability and accessibility.

Legal action against these companies seeks to address the harm caused by their practices, holding them accountable for negligence, deceptive marketing, and the widespread health impacts of their products.

Families affected by these issues are stepping forward, demanding justice for the long-term harm caused to their children.

At TorHoerman Law, we stand with families who have suffered due to the deceptive and harmful practices of food corporations.

If your child has been diagnosed with a chronic illness linked to ultra-processed foods, contact us today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit.

What Companies are Named in UPF Lawsuits?

The companies involved in Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits are some of the largest and most influential corporations in the global food and beverage industry.

These businesses dominate the market with billions of dollars in annual revenue, controlling a significant portion of what consumers eat and drink.

Their reach extends across international borders, with aggressive marketing strategies targeting children and families worldwide.

These corporations are now being scrutinized for prioritizing profits over public health and allegedly contributing to the rise in chronic health conditions through their ultra-processed food products.

Companies named in legal complaints concerning UPFs include:

• Kraft Heinz Company, Inc.
• Mondelēz International, Inc.
• The Coca-Cola Company
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• General Mills, Inc.
• Nestle USA, Inc.
• Kellogg’s (Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co.)
• Mars Incorporated, Inc.
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Post Holdings, Inc.

Lawsuits allege that these companies knowingly marketed addictive and harmful products to children, contributing to serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.

Do You Qualify for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit if you or a loved one, particularly a child, has suffered from serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or obesity as a result of consuming ultra-processed foods.

These cases focus on families impacted by food companies’ deceptive marketing practices and the harmful additives in their products, which are alleged to contribute to long-term health complications.

Eligibility may depend on demonstrating a history of consuming ultra-processed foods and linking diagnosed health conditions to this consumption.

If you believe your family has been affected, it’s important to act quickly.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free case evaluation to determine if you may be eligible to pursue compensation.

Potential Damages in UPF Cases

Plaintiffs may seek recovery for medical expenses, emotional distress, and the long-term impact on their quality of life.

Potential damages in a UPF Lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses: Costs for diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by chronic illnesses.
• Lost wages and earning potential: Financial losses due to time away from work or reduced ability to work in the future.
• Future medical costs: Anticipated expenses for ongoing treatment or management of chronic health conditions.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit

At TorHoerman Law, we are committed to holding food corporations accountable for the harm caused by their deceptive practices and dangerous products.

Our team is actively investigating claims related to ultra-processed foods and their links to serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity.

We understand the impact these illnesses have on individuals and families, especially when corporations prioritize profits over safety.

TorHoerman Law is dedicated to pursuing justice and compensation for those affected by these harmful practices.

If you or a loved one has suffered health complications linked to ultra-processed foods, contact TorHoerman Law today.

Our team offers free consultations to help you understand your legal options and take the first step toward justice.