Why Are Processed Food Childhood Diabetes Lawsuits Being Filed?

Families across the U.S. are now pursuing lawsuits against several major food companies, after their children were diagnosed with type II diabetes or fatty liver disease from harmful substances in ultra-processed foods, which have been aggressively marketed toward children.

A growing body of medical research has established that there are a number of serious health risks and long-term side effects from ultra-processed foods, including:

• Type II diabetes
• Hypertension
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Obesity
• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Other chronic health issues

Fatty liver disease and childhood diabetes lawsuits are being filed against the food industry, raising allegations of corporate negligence for intentionally using addictive ingredients in their ultra-processed foods, and employing deceptive marketing tactics, such as cartoon characters and toys to target children, all while disregarding the serious health risks these products pose.

The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. provide free consultations and claim evaluations for individuals who have developed health problems caused by addictive ultra processed foods.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured products made from substances extracted from whole foods or created in laboratories, which are designed for convenience, long shelf life, and enhanced flavor.

The products are commonly found on grocery store shelves, frozen food sections, fast food menus, and in vending machines.

Characteristics of Ultra-Processed Foods

UPFs are defined by their extensive industrial processing and reliance on ingredients not commonly used in home cooking. These foods often:

• Contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
• Include artificial additives such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, and food colorings.
• Have long ingredient lists with substances designed to improve texture, flavor, or shelf life, rather than nutritional value.

Unlike whole or minimally processed foods, UPFs typically lack essential nutrients and are calorie-dense, making them convenient but nutritionally inferior.

Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods

• Packaged snacks: chips, cookies, and crackers
• Sugary beverages: sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened juices
• Fast food items: burgers, fries, and nuggets
• Frozen meals: pizzas, TV dinners, and processed entrees
• Breakfast cereals: highly sweetened cereals and cereal bars
• Candy and desserts: chocolate bars, candies, and ice cream

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The Addictive Engineering of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are deliberately designed to maximize taste and convenience, often at the expense of health. These products rely on a combination of chemical additives and carefully engineered formulations that are designed to extend shelf-life, enhance flavor and create dependency—particularly among children.

Commonly used additives include:

• Artificial Sweeteners and Flavorings: These additives amplify cravings by stimulating the brain’s reward system, while potentially interfering with metabolism and increasing sugar dependency.
• Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Found in snacks and desserts, these substances disrupt gut health and contribute to systemic inflammation.
• High Sodium Levels: Excessive sodium intensifies flavor and fosters overconsumption while increasing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular issues.
• Palatability Engineering: The intentional mix of sugar, fat, and salt creates hyper-palatable products that encourage overeating and addiction.

By targeting children with bright colors, toys, and flavors tailored to young palates, these strategies not only displace healthier options but also entrench lifelong dietary habits.

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Ultra-Processed Food Side Effects For Children

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are heavily manufactured, stripping away essential nutrients and replacing them with synthetic additives, unhealthy fats, and excessive sugars. Frequent consumption, particularly during critical developmental years, disrupts children’s metabolic and biological systems, laying the foundation for chronic health conditions.

Key Ways UPFs Impact Children’s Health:

• Metabolic Dysfunction: UPFs are high in refined carbs and sugars, leading to blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
• Chronic Inflammation: Additives like preservatives and stabilizers alter the gut microbiome, triggering systemic inflammation linked to obesity and heart disease.
• Hormonal Disruption: Artificial dyes and sweeteners interfere with hormonal balance, affecting growth, metabolism, and appetite regulation.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: By replacing whole foods, UPFs deprive children of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, weakening their overall health.

The Impact of Early and Routine Exposure to Ultra-Processed Foods in Children

Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) because their bodies, metabolisms, and immune systems are still developing. Regular consumption of these foods at a young age significantly increases the risk of chronic health problems:

• Early Habit Formation and Food Addiction: Exposure to UPFs in childhood alters taste preferences, creating a dependency on overly processed, nutrient-poor foods. This often leads to poor eating habits that persist into adulthood, displacing healthier dietary options.
• Faster Development of Health Issues: Children who consume UPFs regularly are at greater risk of experiencing accelerated metabolic and inflammatory damage. This early exposure heightens their chances of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at a younger age.
• Compounded Long-Term Risks: The cumulative impact of years of UPF consumption increases the likelihood of multiple chronic health conditions over a lifetime. Prolonged exposure to harmful additives and poor-quality nutrition creates a snowball effect, worsening overall health outcomes.

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UPF’s and Diabetes Side Effects

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been directly linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes due to their high sugar content and ability to disrupt the body’s glucose regulation over time.

How UPFs Cause Type 2 Diabetes in Children

UPFs are loaded with added sugars and refined carbohydrates, which lead to frequent spikes in blood sugar levels. These spikes can force the pancreas to overproduce insulin, eventually causing insulin resistance. Over time, the body’s ability to regulate glucose deteriorates, increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds

Studies Linking UPFs to Type 2 Diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Care found that for every 10% increase in UPF consumption, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes rose by 12%. This highlights the direct correlation between UPF intake and the onset of this chronic disease.

In a meta-analysis published in the January 2024 volume of Advances and Nutrition, researchers found a significant association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

The analysis revealed that when compared to those exposed to lowest amount of ultra-processed foods, individuals in the highest UPF consumption category had faced a;

• 37% greater risk of diabetes,
• 32% higher risk of hypertension,
• 47% increased likelihood of hypertriglyceridemia,
• 43% increased risk of low HDL cholesterol, and a
• 32% higher risk of obesity.

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UPFs and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Emerging evidence indicates that there is a strong association between regular consumption of UPFs and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as the fructose and unhealthy fats in these foods drive fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver.

How UPFs Cause NAFLD

UPFs often contain high levels of fructose and unhealthy fats, which promote fat accumulation in the liver. This can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, progressing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Over time, untreated NAFLD can result in severe liver damage.

Symptoms of NAFLD can include:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Enlarged liver
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) in severe cases

Study Linking UPFs to NAFLD

According to the findings of a study published in Hepatology Communications in August 2023, researchers demonstrated that children with diets high in sugary ultra processed foods had a significantly higher prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), compared to those who consumed minimally processed foods. The researchers found:

• Adolescents in the highest UPF consumption group were 2.34 times more likely to develop NAFLD compared to those with the lowest UPF intake.
• Adults consuming the most UPFs were 1.72 times more likely to have NAFLD compared to those with the lowest intake.
• Higher UPF intake was linked to lower serum albumin levels and elevated C-reactive protein, indicators of inflammation and liver stress.

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UPFs and Hypertension Side Effects

Research has consistently demonstrated that diets high in ultra-processed foods increase the risk of hypertension, as these foods contain excessive sodium and low potassium levels, which disrupt the body’s ability to maintain healthy blood pressure.

How UPFs May Cause Hypertension

Many UPFs are high in sodium and low in potassium, creating an imbalance that increases blood pressure. Sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system. This imbalance exacerbates hypertension, even in children.

Symptoms of hypertension can include:

• Frequent headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat

Study Linking UPFs to Hypertension

In an October 2024 study published in the American Heart Association, researchers analyzed data from the REGARDS cohort, finding a clear association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and an increased risk of hypertension.

Over a 10-year study, researchers found a significant link between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and hypertension risk. Key findings include:

• Overall Risk: 36% of participants developed hypertension during the study period.
• High UPF Consumers: Individuals in the highest UPF consumption quartile were 23% more likely to develop hypertension compared to those in the lowest quartile.
• Racial Disparities: African American participants in the highest UPF consumption group faced a 43% greater risk of developing hypertension compared to those in the lowest consumption group.

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UPFs and Obesity Side Effects

Scientific analysis has shown that the high calorie, low nutrient nature of ultra-processed foods fosters weight gain and obesity, particularly in children, by encouraging overeating and reducing appetite regulation.

How UPFs Cause Childhood Obesity

UPFs are calorie-dense and nutrient-poor, leading to overconsumption. Their addictive combinations of sugar, fat, and salt hijack the brain’s reward system, encouraging overeating. Additionally, they often lack fiber, which helps regulate appetite.

Symptoms of obesity can include;

• Excess body fat
• Difficulty in physical activity
• Sleep apnea
• Joint pain
• Increased risk of diabetes and heart disease

Study Linking UPFs to Obesity

A new study from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS) reveals alarming connections between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and obesity, along with other related health risks in young children.

The research shows that high UPF intake is strongly linked to increased body fat, higher blood sugar levels, and other factors that can lead to serious long-term health problems. The research found:

• Higher Body Fat: Children consuming the most UPFs had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass, indicating greater levels of body fat.
• Increased Waist Size: High UPF intake was linked to larger waist circumferences, which is associated with higher risks of obesity-related diseases.
• Blood Sugar Concerns: These children also had higher fasting blood sugar levels, a warning sign for future diabetes.
• Heart Health Risks: Lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol were observed in children with the highest UPF consumption, increasing the risk of heart disease.

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Ultra-Processed Food Cancer Risks

Studies have identified a troubling link between ultra-processed food consumption and cancer, with harmful additives and processing by-products increasing the likelihood of developing colorectal and breast cancers.

How UPFs May Cause Cancer

UPFs often contain carcinogenic by-products, such as acrylamide, formed during industrial processing. Additionally, additives and artificial preservatives may disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and contribute to the growth of cancerous cells.

Symptoms of cancer may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Unusual lumps or swelling
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Prolonged pain or discomfort

Study Linking UPFs to Colorectal Cancer

In a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers identified a significant link between ultra-processed food (UPF) colorectal cancer (CRC) precursors, such as adenomas and serrated lesions.

The study found that participants in the highest UPF consumption group were at a higher risk of developing colorectal polyps, and were:

• 18% more likely to develop conventional adenomas, a common precursor to colorectal cancer.
• 20% more likely to develop serrated lesions, another CRC risk factor.
• 17% more likely to develop high-risk polyps, including advanced adenomas and serrated lesions larger than 10 mm.

Study Linking UPF’s to Breast Cancer

A study published in BMJ found that higher UPF consumption was associated with a 10% increased risk of breast and colorectal cancers. The study emphasized the role of additives, poor nutrient quality, and obesity in driving this risk. The study found;

• Breast Cancer Risk: A 10% increase in the proportion of UPFs in the diet was associated with an 11% higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Overall Cancer Risk: A similar 10% increase in UPFs was linked to a 12% higher risk of developing any type of cancer.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) From UPFs

Clinical research highlights a strong association between UPFs and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as the artificial additives and low fiber content in these foods disrupt gut microbiota and promote chronic inflammation.

How UPFs Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) From UPFs

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are notoriously low in dietary fiber and packed with artificial additives, which can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbiota—the community of microorganisms critical for maintaining digestive health. These disruptions can lead to chronic inflammation, a key factor associated with the onset and exacerbation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Furthermore, emulsifiers and stabilizers commonly used in UPFs have been shown to compromise the integrity of the intestinal lining and foster the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, contributing to increased gut permeability and worsening IBS symptoms.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
• Excessive gas or flatulence
• Mucus in the stool
• A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
• Fatigue or difficulty sleeping (often associated with IBS)

Study Linking UPFs to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In a July 2024 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, researchers identified a clear link between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and an increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding;

• Higher Risk of IBS: Each 10% increase in UPF consumption was associated with an 8% higher risk of developing IBS.
• Significant Risk for High Consumers: Participants in the highest quartile of UPF intake were 19% more likely to develop IBS compared to those in the lowest quartile.

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Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits

As a result of the growing body of medical research linking ultra-processed foods to long term side effects, individuals are filing lawsuits against several of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, raising allegations that the manufacturers knowingly jeopardized public health through the widespread production and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

The claims allege that these companies have long been aware of the serious health risks associated with UPFs, including their links to childhood Type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and other diseases.

Drawing a parallel to the tobacco industry, ultra-processed foods lawsuits argue that manufacturers employed similar tactics by prioritizing profits over transparency, and deliberately concealing known risks from families while using deceptive marketing to drive consumption.

Much like how the tobacco industry engineered cigarettes to maximize addiction, these lawsuits claim food companies designed UPFs with addictive substances to enhance cravings. By combining excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, these products were engineered to be hyper-palatable, fostering dependency and encouraging overconsumption, despite their negative health impacts.

Lawsuits also claim that defendant companies fraudulently misrepresent and deceptively market UPFs, which target children by using cartoon characters, toys, and media tie-ins to appeal to vulnerable populations.

Companies Named in Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits

Ultra-processed foods lawsuits are being investigated against major corporations alleged of fraudulent misrepresentation and the deceptive marketing of harmful products, 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.

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Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Settlements

If you or your child have been diagnosed with a serious health condition linked to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), you may be eligible for compensation. Damages in these cases aim to compensate families harmed by the food environment created by manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers the costs of past and future medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and ongoing treatments related to illnesses.
• Lost Wages and Earning Potential: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for treatment and recovery, as well as reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by chronic health conditions linked to UPFs.
• Long-Term Care and Lifestyle Adjustments: Financial support for necessary adjustments, such as home health care, mobility aids, or specialized diets required due to your condition.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious corporate negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize manufacturers for knowingly endangering public health and manipulating the food market.

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Are There Costs to Hire an Ultra-Processed Food Lawyer?

There are absolutely no out-of-pocket costs to review your case or hire our attorneys. Ultra-processed food lawsuits are evaluated for individuals throughout the United States, and all cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.

Through the use of contingency attorney fees, individuals have access to the experience and resources of our national law firm for their lawsuit — regardless of their individual financial resources.