There is growing evidence that the consumption of ultra-processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of diabetes and other illnesses. If your child has developed health problems such as Type-2 Diabetes or Fatty Liver Disease due to these dangerous products, you may be entitled to compensation, and the personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Group may be able to help you file an ultra-processed foods lawsuit.
Potential Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
A lawsuit was filed in Philadelphia in December 2024 accusing companies such as Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola of developing and marketing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to be addictive, with specific marketing directed toward children.
“A lawsuit filed against major food companies including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola alleges that purposeful marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contributes to increasing rates of chronic disease in children including obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease,” Pharmacy Times reported.
Research shows potentially severe health risks and long-term side effects from UPFs that may include:
- Breast cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Hypertension
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)/Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Obesity
- Other chronic health problems
- Type II Diabetes
Sadly, a study published in Diabetes Care found that for every 10 percent increase in UPF consumption, the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increased by 12 percent.
Plus, in research published in the January 2024 volume of Advances and Nutrition, researchers noted that when compared to those exposed to the lowest amount of UPFs, people of the highest UPF consumption type faced a 37 percent greater risk of Diabetes.
What Are UPFs?
“UPFs are considered foods that are altered from their natural state through the addition of salt, oil, and sugar, as well as artificial colors and preservatives,” Pharmacy Times reported.
“Examples of UFPs include deli meats, mass-produced bread, packaged snacks, cereal, many frozen products, and premade soups.”
Ultra-processed foods contain additives and are often high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Pharmacy Times noted, “Studies show that the high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in UPFs activate reward pathways in the brain, leading to compulsive consumption.”
Who Can File an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit?
Individuals who regularly consumed ultra-processed foods as children and were diagnosed under the age of 18 with Type II Diabetes or MASLD Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease may qualify to pursue an ultra-processed foods lawsuit.
To determine whether or not you may have a case if you’ve suffered any health issues after routinely consuming UPFs as a child, please contact Phillips Law Group for an initial evaluation to discuss your unique circumstances.
Seeking Compensation Through Ultra-Processed Foods Litigation
If food companies like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola were aware of the negative impact of UPFs on health, especially for children, and deceptively marketed products to appeal to vulnerable populations like minors, the companies involved should be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused individuals and families.
Families and communities impacted by UPFs and the companies that developed and marketed them have a right to seek justice. Phillips Law Group may be able to assist you through ultra-processed foods litigation.
There are no upfront costs to review your case or hire our team. Ultra-processed food lawsuits, and any potential cases we are presented with, are handled on a contingency fee basis. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and examine your legal rights with you before moving forward with any legal action.
Please call 602-222-2222 to contact us today and learn more.
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