Has your child been diagnosed with a serious health condition after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? You may be eligible to file an ultra-processed foods (UPFs) lawsuit in North Carolina. Increasingly, medical research has linked regular consumption of UPFs — such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, processed meats, and fast food — to chronic health conditions in children. Lawsuits are being filed across the country, alleging that food manufacturers failed to warn families about the risks associated with their heavily processed products.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are now reviewing ultra-processed food claims across North Carolina. If your child was harmed, contact or call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free, no-obligation case review.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)?
UPFs are industrial food products made mostly or entirely from substances extracted or synthesized from food. These products often include artificial additives, preservatives, sweeteners, colorings, and flavor enhancers. Common examples include:
- Chips, cookies, and crackers
- Sugary drinks and energy drinks
- Candy and snack bars
- Fast food meals
- Packaged breakfast cereals
- Processed meats like hot dogs and chicken nuggets
UPFs are engineered to be convenient, shelf-stable, and hyper-palatable. However, mounting evidence shows that regular consumption of these products — especially during childhood and adolescence — may lead to serious health issues.
July 2025 Update
Litigation against major food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is gaining momentum as public health concerns continue to rise.
As of July 2025, key developments in UPF-related litigation include:
- False Advertising and Deceptive Marketing Claims: Lawsuits filed across multiple jurisdictions allege that food manufacturers misled consumers by labeling ultra-processed products as “healthy,” “wholesome,” or “natural.” Plaintiffs claim these marketing tactics downplayed the high levels of added sugars, refined carbohydrates, chemical additives, and sodium in these products.
- Youth Mental Health Focus: A growing number of cases link heavy UPF consumption to mental health impacts in children and teens, including increased anxiety, depression, and attention-related issues. These lawsuits often draw on emerging scientific studies showing neurological and psychological effects of high UPF intake.
- Class Action Cases Expand: Consumer class actions are forming against major food companies such as Nestlé, General Mills, PepsiCo, and Kraft Heinz. Many cases seek compensation for allegedly misleading marketing and medical costs linked to chronic disease. Some also demand reformulation of products or clearer front-of-package warning labels.
- Calls for Regulatory Change: Parallel to the legal action, advocacy groups are lobbying the FDA to require front-of-package labeling on UPFs, similar to tobacco or sugar warnings in other countries. Although no federal policy has yet been adopted, pressure is mounting.
While still in the early stages compared to other mass torts, ultra-processed food lawsuits are positioned to become a significant front in consumer protection and public health litigation. Plaintiffs argue that food companies should be held accountable for profiting from products that pose long-term risks to health—especially among vulnerable populations.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers is actively investigating these cases in North Carolina. If you believe your child may qualify for an ultra-processed food lawsuit, please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
Who Qualifies for a UPF Lawsuit in North Carolina?
You may qualify for an ultra-processed food lawsuit if your child:
1. Regularly consumed ultra-processed foods over an extended period
2. Was diagnosed by a physician with one or both of the following conditions:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
3. You can provide medical documentation of the diagnosis and evidence of consistent UPF consumption
If you meet this criteria, Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help determine your legal options and, if you decide to hire us, pursue a claim on your behalf.
Why Are UPF Lawsuits Being Filed?
Lawsuits allege that food and beverage companies targeted children and adolescents with aggressive marketing strategies, including advertisements on TV, online platforms, and even in schools. Plaintiffs argue that these companies failed to warn families of the long-term health risks, even as research began to reveal a clear link between UPFs and chronic conditions.
Holding potentially liable food companies accountable through litigation may:
- Compensate families for medical expenses and related costs
- Pressure the industry to disclose health risks more transparently
- Protect future generations from allegedly harmful marketing and misinformation
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers?
We’re proud to be based in North Carolina and deeply rooted in the communities we serve. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for families harmed by powerful corporations and industries.
When you work with Riddle & Riddle, you can expect:
- Free case reviews with no obligation
- No fees unless we win your case
- Offices across North Carolina for your convenience
- Extensive experience in product liability and injury law
- Compassionate approach
Our firm is led by father-daughter duo Gene Riddle and Alex Riddle. We strive to treat every client like family and were honored to be named a “Best Family-Run Law Firm” by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2025.
Since 2000 alone, we’ve recovered over $850 million in compensation for our valued clients (see disclaimer below). Our mission is to seek maximum compensation for every client.
Call for a Free Case Review Today
If your child has been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease after regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, don’t wait. Time limits may apply to your claim.
Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
Our North Carolina-based team will evaluate your case, help gather the necessary documentation, and fight to hold the responsible companies accountable. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
When Justice Counts™, you can count on Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers.