Could the Foods We Eat Every Day Be Making Us Sick?
Ultra-processed foods make up a significant portion of the average American diet. From packaged snacks and sugary cereals to frozen meals, fast food, and sweetened beverages, these products are convenient, inexpensive, and widely available.
However, a growing body of research has raised concerns about the long-term health effects of consuming ultra-processed foods—particularly among children and adolescents. Researchers have linked diets high in ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions.
Now, lawsuits are being pursued alleging that some manufacturers knowingly developed and marketed ultra-processed foods despite understanding their potentially addictive qualities and health risks.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with certain health conditions after consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods, you may be wondering whether you have legal options.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are products that undergo extensive industrial processing and often contain ingredients not typically used in home cooking. These may include:
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors
- Chemical preservatives
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Hydrogenated oils
- Emulsifiers
- Stabilizers
- Sweeteners
- Flavor enhancers
Examples include:
- Sugary breakfast cereals
- Potato chips
- Packaged cookies
- Candy
- Frozen dinners
- Fast food
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Processed meats
- Sweetened snack foods
While not every processed food is harmful, critics argue that many ultra-processed products are specifically engineered to maximize taste, increase cravings, and encourage repeat purchases.
Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed?
The current litigation alleges that certain food manufacturers may have:
- Designed foods to be highly addictive
- Targeted children through advertising campaigns
- Failed to adequately warn consumers about potential health risks
- Downplayed research regarding long-term health consequences
- Prioritized profits over consumer safety
The lawsuits seek to determine whether manufacturers should be held responsible for injuries allegedly resulting from years of consuming these products.
As with any litigation, these allegations must be proven in court, and manufacturers generally deny wrongdoing.
What Health Conditions Are Being Examined?
According to current referral criteria provided through the Morgan & Morgan mass tort program, the primary focus involves individuals diagnosed before their 21st birthday with:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
These conditions have become increasingly common among younger Americans over the past two decades.
Understanding Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes was once considered an adult disease.
Today, physicians are seeing increasing numbers of children and teenagers diagnosed with the condition.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Possible symptoms include:
- Frequent thirst
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Unexplained weight changes
Although many factors contribute to diabetes—including genetics, exercise, and overall nutrition—the lawsuits focus on whether manufacturers contributed to the problem by aggressively marketing ultra-processed foods to young consumers.
What Is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat builds up in the liver without alcohol being the underlying cause.
Many children and teenagers diagnosed with NAFLD have no symptoms until the disease progresses.
Possible symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Enlarged liver
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Inflammation
- Liver scarring in advanced cases
Researchers have increasingly examined the relationship between diets high in processed foods and fatty liver disease.
Who May Qualify for an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit?
While every situation is unique, current referral guidelines generally focus on individuals who:
- Were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes before turning 21, or
- Were diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease before turning 21
Meeting these criteria does not automatically mean someone has a legal claim. An attorney will evaluate each case individually based on the available facts and applicable law.
Why These Cases Matter
Many product liability lawsuits have centered on whether companies knew—or should have known—about potential dangers associated with their products.
The ultra-processed foods litigation raises similar questions, including:
- What did manufacturers know?
- When did they know it?
- Were consumers adequately informed?
- Were children intentionally targeted through advertising?
- Could safer alternatives have been offered?
These are complex legal questions that courts may ultimately decide.
What Evidence May Help Support a Claim?
Individuals considering a potential claim may benefit from gathering documentation such as:
- Medical records
- Diagnosis information
- Treatment history
- Insurance records
- Physician documentation
- Prescription information
- Nutritional history, when available
An attorney can explain what documentation may be useful during a consultation.
Why Speaking with an Attorney Early Can Help
Mass tort litigation often involves complex legal and medical issues.
An attorney can help determine:
- Whether current litigation applies to your circumstances
- What documentation may be needed
- Applicable filing deadlines
- Whether additional investigation is appropriate
Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, a consultation can help answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a class action lawsuit?
Not necessarily. Many product liability cases involving numerous individuals are handled as mass torts, where each person’s injuries are evaluated separately.
What if I don’t know whether the food caused my condition?
You do not need to determine that yourself. A legal consultation can help evaluate whether your situation may fit current litigation.
Does speaking with an attorney cost anything?
Many personal injury and mass tort attorneys offer free case evaluations. Be sure to ask about fees during your consultation.
I was diagnosed years ago. Can I still have a case?
Possibly. Every state’s filing deadlines differ, making it important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Morgan & Morgan Of Counsel Referral Attorney
If you or your child was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease before age 21 and you believe ultra-processed foods may have played a role, it may be worthwhile to learn more about your legal options.
Call (689) 529-7492 today.
Your call will connect you with one of our Morgan & Morgan Of Counsel referral attorneys, who can conduct a confidential consultation to review your prospective case and determine whether you may qualify for current mass tort litigation.
There is no obligation simply to learn more about your legal rights.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different, and contacting the intake line does not create an attorney-client relationship. Eligibility for any claim depends on the specific facts and applicable law.