Ultra-Processed Foods in Childhood Lawsuit: You May Qualify for Compensation
Research has linked ultra-processed food consumption to serious health conditions in children, including type-2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Major food companies are accused of intentionally engineering these products to be addictive. If you or your child has developed health problems during childhood due to ultra-processed foods, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you or your child are under 30 years old, consumed significant amounts of ultra-processed foods, AND received a childhood diagnosis of type-2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease before age 18, you may qualify for compensation.
Call (844) 699-4757 or submit your information on this page to see if we can help you.
Criteria for Seeking Compensation
If you or your child meet the following criteria, you may qualify for compensation.
- Diagnosed before age 18 with one of the following injuries:
- Type 2 diabetes; OR
- Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver / Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
- AND currently under the age of 30;
- AND significant consumption of ultra-processed foods.
If these criteria apply to you or your child, please call (844) 699-4757 or fill out the form at the top of this page to see if we can help.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Highly processed or ultra-processed foods go a step further than processed foods, which are altered by adding ingredients like salt, sugar, or oil. Processed foods typically contain just a few ingredients and include items like canned vegetables, fruits in syrup, and freshly baked bread.
In contrast, UPFs are usually made from substances extracted from whole foods, such as starches, hydrogenated fats, and added sugars, and often contain multiple additives, such as artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners. Examples may include:
- Frozen dinners
- Soft drinks
- Breakfast cereals
- Fast food
- Hot dogs
- Prepackaged snacks like cookies and chips
How Do UPFs Harm Children?
Ultra-processed foods appear to be engineered to trigger cravings, compulsive use, and psychoactive effects, making them highly addictive. These foods have overtaken traditional diets and now dominate children’s meals. According to JAMA Journal, children now get two-thirds of their energy from UPFs.
The rise of UPFs seems to have led to a surge in related health issues. Obesity rates have doubled in adults and tripled in children, while type 2 diabetes cases have tripled since 1980. Alarming trends show that diseases once rare in youth, like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, are now common, with rates doubling in recent years. Today, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects children as frequently as asthma, according to The Washington Post.
Why Are UPF Manufacturers Being Sued?
Recent lawsuits allege that major food companies have intentionally engineered these products to be addictive. Claims also state manufacturers target children and that their ultra-processed foods lead to serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
These cases argue that these companies have used marketing strategies similar to those used by tobacco firms in that they:
- Aim to create dependency on their products
- Do not adequately warn consumers about potential health risks
Plaintiffs in these cases argue that these manufacturers have prioritized profit over public health and are guilty of negligence and deceptive practices. Legal actions seek compensation for affected individuals and families.