Lawsuit Claims Ultra-Processed Foods Caused Childhood Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease

A young Pennsylvania man has filed one of the first ultra-processed foods lawsuits against several major food and beverage companies, alleging that the addictive and nutrient poor design of many popular junk food products caused him to develop Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a teen.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) include a wide-variety of products sold in recent decades, which are made from heavily refined ingredients combined with additives designed to mimic the taste, appearance and texture of real food. Examples include popular sugary breakfast cereals, snack chips, frozen ready-to-eat meals, sodas and other items.

The substances used in ultra-processed foods, such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, are used to enhance taste, texture and shelf-life, while offering no real nutritional benefits. However, there is now growing evidence that ultra-processed food increases the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases, especially among children.

Research published in recent years has established how the additives and chemical processes used to create ultra-processed foods contribute to metabolic disruptions, chronic inflammation and a number other physiological changes, which significantly elevate the risk of these chronic illnesses.

As a result, a growing number of lawyers across the U.S. are now investigating potential ultra-processed food lawsuits for families of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease, claiming that the food industry has failed to disclose health risks, while employing marketing practices that prioritized profits over consumer safety.

In what is believed to be the first lawsuit of its kind, Bryce Martinez filed a complaint (PDF) in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County on December 10, 2024, naming Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post Holdings, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestlé, Kellanova, WK Kellogg Co., Mars, and ConAgra as defendants, alleging their ultra-processed food products left him with life-long medical conditions.

Martinez claims that he was consistently exposed to ultra-processed foods throughout his childhood, which were aggressively marketed toward children. This prolonged exposure ultimately led to his diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by the age of 16, according to the complaint.

The complaint references extensive research linking ultra-processed foods to diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, heart disease and cancer. These studies consistently demonstrate that UPFs promote overconsumption and rapid weight gain, with participants gaining about one pound per week compared to those consuming minimally processed foods.

“Defendants have knowingly and deliberately designed ultra-processed foods to exploit addictive properties, causing significant health consequences for consumers, including children and vulnerable populations,” Martinez states in the ultra-processed food lawsuit.

According to internal memos cited in the complaint, the companies developed strategies to enhance the sensory appeal and addictive qualities of their foods.

These tactics by manufacturers, unbeknownst to parents and consumers, were reportedly aimed at vulnerable populations, including children, resulting in the widespread consumption of products now linked to a growing epidemic of childhood type 2 diabetes and other serious chronic health conditions.

Martinez’s lawsuit raises allegations of failure to warn, deceptive marketing and defective product design, seeking damages for personal injuries, including physical and emotional suffering, medical expenses and a reduced quality of life.

Ultra-Processed Food Childhood Diabetes Lawsuits

Amid growing evidence about the widespread consequences of the practices employed by the food industry, which mirror those used decades ago by the tobacco industry, ultra-processed food injury lawyers nationwide have launched advertising campaigns and are beginning to file lawsuits.

Companies targeted by ultra-processed food childhood diabetes and fatty liver disease lawsuits include major industry players, including:

• Kraft Heinz Company, Inc.
• Mondelēz International, Inc.
• The Coca-Cola Company
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• General Mills, Inc.
• Nestlé USA, Inc.
• Kellogg’s (Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co.)
• Mars Incorporated, Inc.
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Post Holdings, Inc.

Free consultations and claim evaluations are being offered to individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease before the age of 18 after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods.

Attorneys handle all ultra-processed food lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no fees or expenses paid unless a settlement or lawsuit payout is received.