Appeal Filed in Lawsuit Alleging Ultra-Processed Foods Caused Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease for Teen

Motion seeks to overturn a ruling by the federal judge who dismissed the original ultra-processed food diabetes lawsuit.

A Pennsylvania man who says a diet high in ultra-processed foods gave him childhood diabetes and liver disease wants an appeals court to overturn a ruling that dismissed his lawsuit seeking to hold food manufacturers liable.

The lawsuit was first filed by Bryce Martinez in December 2024, alleging that several of the country’s largest food producers used deceptive marketing to get children addicted to unhealthy ultra-processed foods filled with sugar and chemical additives. Defendants included Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola and General Mills.

Martinez claims he became addicted to ultra-processed foods as a child and was later diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and childhood diabetes. However, U.S. District Judge Mia R. Perez of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania dismissed the lawsuit in August 2025, finding that it lacked sufficient details to establish liability. The judge concluded Martinez failed to identify the specific products he consumed or the quantities involved, making it difficult to determine how damages should be allocated.

Ultra-Processed Food Health Concerns

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consist of industrial ingredients, such as artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, used to enhance flavor, extend shelf life and improve texture. However, a steady stream of research in recent years has linked regular UPF consumption to an increased risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Mounting evidence suggests children are particularly at risk, since their diets in the U.S. often consist of a substantial amount of UPFs.

A study published in March 2024 found a strong association between ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the researchers found other UPF side effects could include sleep disturbances, respiratory problems and depression. A month earlier, a study published in the Lancet had warned that UPF consumption was linked to a higher risk of heart attacks, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

Martinez’s lawsuit, which could be the first of many if reinstated, alleged that food manufacturers intentionally and knowingly fostered unhealthy addictions in children, sacrificing their health for the sake of profits. His complaint is being closely watched to determine whether the food industry can be held liable for declining health among the nation’s children.

Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit Appeal

In late September, Martinez filed a motion calling for the reinstatement of his UPF diabetes lawsuit, offering to identify each product he consumed. He listed numerous items, many promoted as being fat-free, lite or zero sugar products, including Boca Burger, Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its, Nature Valley Granola bars and Kraft House Italian Dressing.

Judge Perez responded in a June 30 order (PDF), rejecting the motion and refusing to reinstate Martinez’s lawsuit. According to her ruling, Martinez’s lawsuit rests on the premise of correlation between Type 2 diabetes and the products, but not causation.

The judge indicated that there is no official or legal classification of what constitutes a UPF, which makes being able to prove causation to any specific health problem difficult.

On July 22, Martinez submitted a Notice of Appeal (PDF), indicating he has asked the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to overturn Judge Perez’s August 2025 dismissal. The notice does not include an explanation of the grounds of the appeal.

The appellate court’s decision could have significant impact not only on Martinez’s lawsuit, but on any future UPF diabetes lawsuits, potentially determining which types of cases can be filed, as well as how they must be legally structured.

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