Major food companies like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola are facing a lawsuit in the US. The lawsuit accuses them of designing and marketing ultra-processed foods that are addictive to children, leading to chronic health problems.
The case was filed on Tuesday in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas by Bryce Martinez, a Pennsylvania resident.
Martinez claims he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at the age of 16 due to consuming these companies’ products.
Groundbreaking Lawsuit Filed
Martinez’s lawyers, from the well-known firm Morgan & Morgan, described this lawsuit as the first of its kind. Other companies being sued include Post Holdings, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestle USA, WK Kellogg, Mars, Kellanova, and Conagra. These companies have not yet responded to the allegations.
The Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods
In recent years, evidence has shown a strong link between ultra-processed foods and chronic health issues. These foods include packaged snacks, sweets, and soft drinks made with synthetic ingredients or substances extracted from natural foods.
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has stated that these foods are likely addictive. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic of the food industry and FDA, has called for stricter regulations on ultra-processed foods.
Allegations Against Food Companies
The lawsuit claims these companies knew their products were harmful and intentionally made them addictive. It compares their strategies to those of tobacco companies like Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds, which previously owned businesses now part of Kraft Heinz and Mondelez.
Martinez’s legal team accuses the companies of conspiracy, negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks compensation and punitive damages, but the exact amount has not been specified.
