Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Over Childhood Diabetes Risks Dismissed by Federal Judge

While the food industry did not dispute the health risks alleged in the lawsuit, judge ruled that the claim lacked specific product details to determine liability.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit over the health risks of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), finding that the claims were overly broad and vague, lacking specific legal grounding or any clear connection between plaintiff’s injuries and a particular product, ingredient or brand.

Bryce Martinez filed the ultra-processed food lawsuit against the food industry in December 2024, alleging that various junk food products marketed and sold by major brands like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola and General Mills caused his childhood diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Ultra-Processed Food Health Risks

Ultra-processed foods are a major part of the daily diet for children throughout the U.S., typically including five or more industrial ingredients, such as artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, which enhance taste and convenience. However, many of the additives, used to enhance flavor, extend shelf life or improve texture, offer little to no nutritional benefit, and emerging studies suggest that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods may significantly increase the risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses, especially among children.

Martinez’s lawsuit came after a study published in March 2024, which highlighted a strong link between consuming ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, along with other side effects like sleep disturbances, breathing issues and depression. Another study published that same month showed a link between ultra-processed foods and major heart problems, including heart attacks and heart failure.

The lawsuit alleged that the food industry aggressively marketed these UPFs to children, exploiting their addictive qualities, despite the known health risks. Martinez’s complaint was being closely watched as one of the first in what could be a growing number of ultra-processed food lawsuits blaming the food industry for the U.S.’s declining health.

While the case was originally filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in December 2024, it was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, given that the defendants are based in multiple states. 

In late March, defendants filed an omnibus motion to dismiss Martinez’s lawsuit, alleging that it is improperly pled, taking a “shotgun” approach that is too broad, vague and lacks specific legal grounding.

Following oral arguments held earlier this month, Judge Perez issued a memorandum (PDF) on August 25, granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss, based on the merits of their arguments.

“While the Court is deeply concerned about the practices used to create and market UPFs, and the deleterious effect UPFs have on children and the American diet, it cannot allow this action to proceed because Plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.”

— U.S. District Judge Mia R. Perez

In her memorandum, Judge Perez notes that none of the defendants dispute that UPFs likely caused Martinez’s health problems, but for the court to pursue such a case the claims would have to be narrowed down significantly with more facts about his consumption. She points out that the claim lacked details on which products Martinez ate, when he ate them, and how much of them he ate.

The judge’s decision to dismiss the case is likely to have a significant impact on the number of individuals currently seeking representation to pursue claims and how they structure their lawsuits, each asserting that routine consumption of ultra-processed foods has led to the development of type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in themselves or their children.