Ultra-processed Food Lawsuits

In recent years, the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been linked to a surge in chronic health conditions among children, including Type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Major food manufacturers are facing lawsuits for allegedly designing these products to be addictive and aggressively marketing them to young audiences.

At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we're ready to help those whose children have suffered due to UPFs, and we are actively investigating these claims. For a FREE, no-obligation case review with an experienced attorney, please call 1-800-525-7111. There are no upfront costs and we don't get paid unless you do. We'll review your case and help determine if you may qualify for an ultra-processed foods lawsuit.

IMPORTANT: As of early 2025, this litigation is in its early stages, and we cannot say with any certainty if these claims will be successful. Defendants strongly deny liability and/or wrongdoing in these cases, and there are no guarantees regarding a specific outcome. For a free case review, please call 1-800-525-7111 and let's evaluate your ultra-processed food claim.

Understanding Ultra-processed Foods (UPF)

UPFs are industrially produced edible substances that are imitations of real food. They consist of former foods that have been fractioned into substances, chemically modified, combined with additives, and then reassembled using industrial techniques such as molding, extrusion, and pressurization. These products are engineered to be hyper-palatable, often containing high levels of sugars, fats, and artificial additives, leading to overconsumption.

According to a recent study, the United States is the leading country in the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which account for 60% of caloric intake. The study further notes that roughly 58% of staples in leading supermarkets in the U.S. are ultra-processed.

Related article: North Carolina Product Liability Lawyer

Common Examples of Ultra-processed Foods

• Sugary cereals
• Packaged snacks
• Baked goods
• Soft drinks
• Instant noodles
• Processed meats

Health Implications of UPF Consumption in Children

The regular intake of UPFs has been associated with several serious health issues in children, including but not limited to:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Elevated sugar levels in these foods can lead to insulin resistance.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Artificial additives and unhealthy fats may cause liver fat accumulation.
• Obesity: High-calorie content and addictive qualities contribute to excessive weight gain.

These conditions, once rare in younger populations, are now increasingly common, raising significant public health concerns.

If your child has suffered from one of these conditions after consuming ultra-processed foods, you may have a claim for compensation. Please call 1-800-525-7111 and let's review your case. There are no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Legal Actions Against Food Manufacturers

Several major food companies, including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, PepsiCo, Nestle USA, WK Kellogg Co., Mars Incorporated, Inc. and Coca-Cola, are currently facing lawsuits alleging that they have deliberately engineered UPFs to be addictive and have targeted children through deceptive marketing practices. These legal actions aim to hold corporations accountable for allegedly prioritizing profits over consumer health.

IMPORTANT: Defendants in these ultra-processed food lawsuits strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing, and there have been no settlements in these cases. The outcome of these cases is not guaranteed and will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of each case.

UPF Lawsuit Allegations

Ultra-processed food lawsuits are built on significant allegations that food manufacturers have engaged in unethical practices that prioritize profits over public health. Currently, these lawsuits focus on three main claims against manufacturers:

1. Addictive Food Design

Manufacturers are accused of intentionally engineering UPFs to be addictive. These foods are chemically manipulated to deliver intense flavors and textures that encourage overconsumption. By targeting the brain's reward centers, these products can create dependence, similar to addictive substances, making it challenging for consumers, especially children, to moderate their intake.

2. Deceptive Marketing Practices

Food companies are alleged to have aggressively marketed UPFs to children and families, often disguising unhealthy products as wholesome or nutritious. This includes misleading advertising campaigns, the use of cartoon characters and bright packaging to appeal to kids, and claims of health benefits that contradict the products' high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.

3. Neglecting Consumer Health Risks

Another core allegation is that manufacturers have knowingly ignored the long-term health risks associated with consuming these products. Despite scientific evidence linking UPFs to Type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other health problems, these companies allegedly failed to warn consumers about the dangers or reformulate their products to reduce harmful ingredients.

Related article: McDonald’s E. Coli Lawsuits in North Carolina

Criteria for Filing a UPF-Related Claim

If your child has been diagnosed with any of the following conditions after regular consumption of UPFs, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

It's essential to provide medical documentation of the diagnosis and evidence of consistent UPF consumption. An experienced attorney at Riddle & Riddle can evaluate your claim and advise you of your best available legal options — please call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with a lawyer handling ultra-processed foods lawsuits today.

Why Choose Riddle & Riddle for Your Ultra-processed Food Lawsuit

At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for justice for all North Carolinians. With over 160 years of combined attorney experience and more than $800 million recovered for our clients since 2000, our dedicated team has the expertise to handle complex injury cases (see disclaimer below).

Led by managing partner Gene Riddle and his daughter, attorney and partner Alex Riddle, our UPF lawsuit attorneys have been recognized by many prestigious membership groups and awards (see disclaimer below), including:

• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
• AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
• Super Lawyers
• The Personal Injury "Power List" by NC Lawyers Weekly
• The Litigator Award

As a reflection of our commitment to our clients and exceptional service, in 2025 Riddle & Riddle was named a "Best Family-Run Law Firm" by NC Lawyers Weekly.

"This settlement changed me and my family's lives."

-Linda B., Riddle & Riddle client

Our Commitment to Clients

• Personalized Attention: We strive to treat every client like family, ensuring your case receives the focus it deserves. We invite you to review our testimonials to see how our clients describe their experience working with Riddle & Riddle.
• No Win, No Fee: You won't pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
• Proven Results: Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts, reflecting our dedication to achieving justice (see disclaimer below).

Your Child Deserves Justice. Call Us Today.

If your child has suffered health issues due to UPF consumption, it's crucial to act promptly. Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. We would love to help however we can.

When Justice Counts™, our attorneys are standing by.