Pennsylvania resident accuses companies like Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola of developing ultra-processed foods that cause chronic diseases in children; industry denies
A Pennsylvania resident sued 10 large food companies, including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez and Coca-Cola, accusing the companies of developing and marketing ultra-processed foods to be addictive to children. The information is from
Bryce Martinez claims he developed type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at age 16 due to consuming these products. The firm Morgan & Morgan, which represents Martinez, says this is the first case of its kind in the United States.
The lawsuit also includes Post Holdings, PepsiCo, General Mills, the US division of Nestlé, WK Kellogg, Mars, Kellanova and Conagra.
Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy at the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), stated that “There is currently no agreed scientific definition of ultra-processed foods”.
Recent scientific studies show that highly processed foods are linked to several chronic health problems. These products include packaged snacks, sweets and soft drinks made with substances extracted from whole foods or artificially synthesized.
Current FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has already indicated that ultra-processed foods are likely addictive. The lawsuit alleges that food companies follow strategies similar to those used by the tobacco industry, noting that Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds once owned some of the companies being sued.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages based on allegations of conspiracy, negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation and unfair business practices.
The discussion about regulating ultra-processed foods gained strength after studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about the increase in consumption of these products among children and adolescents. Brazil was a pioneer by including warnings about ultra-processed foods in the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population in 2014.
