ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD LAWSUIT LAWYER
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are foods that undergo multiple stages of processing before being consumed. Studies indicate that consumption of UPFs can lead to several serious health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Now, people across the country are filing lawsuits against UPF manufacturers, alleging the foods are designed to be addictive. At Cordisco & Saile, our product liability lawyers are committed to fighting for children and families who have been harmed by UPFs.
Navigate This Page
- What is Considered Ultra-Processed Food?
- Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit Updates
- How Our Pennsylvania Ultra-Processed Foods Attorneys Can Help
- Cordisco & Saile is Here for Families
- How Do I Know If I Have a Lawsuit?
- Who Can I Hold Liable for My Processed Food Injuries?
- Types of Compensation in Ultra-Processed Food Cases
- Challenges in Processed Foods Cases
- Speak with an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Attorney Today
What is Considered Ultra-Processed Food?
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are ready-to-eat foods that often contain high levels of sugar, salt, saturated fat, and other food additives. They also often lack micronutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals–naturally occurring compounds with health benefits. According to Stanford Medicine, these foods now account for nearly 60% of U.S. adults’ calorie consumption and 70% of U.S. children’s calorie consumption. UPFs have been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
In November 2025, a study published in the Harvard Gazette found that colorectal cancer diagnoses have risen in recent years in parallel with the rise of ultraprocessed foods. The study analyzed the diets and endoscopy results of nearly 30,000 women and found that those who consumed the highest levels of UPFs had a 45% higher risk of developing adenomas, which can be precursors of early-onset colorectal cancer.
Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit Updates
So far, the lawsuits filed against ultra-processed food manufacturers allege that the companies negligently failed to warn consumers about the health risks associated with their products. The lawsuits also accuse manufacturers of using targeted, deceptive advertising to trick the families into thinking UPFs are safe, encouraging lifelong consumption, especially by children.
December 2025: San Francisco City Attorney Sues UPF Manufacturers for Public Health Crisis
In December 2025, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu filed a lawsuit on behalf of the people of California against Kraft Heinz, Post, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestlé, and other UPF manufacturers, alleging violations of California’s unfair competition laws. The lawsuit alleges that UPFs cause compulsive use and that the defendants designed them to be addictive to drive profits. Additionally, they assert the defendants deliberately targeted children with marketing, harmful dyes, and more, causing a public health crisis in San Francisco.
August 2025: Original UPF Lawsuit Dismissed for Failure to State a Claim
In August 2025, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that claimed several major food companies aggressively market addictive ultra-processed foods to children. The plaintiff claimed he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at 16, asserting the diagnoses were caused by UPFs. He also noted that the incidence of those diseases and obesity has dramatically increased since the 1980s due to the consumption of UPF.
The judge ruled that the plaintiff didn’t adequately allege that the companies’ products caused him any harm. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff didn’t allege how often, how much, or when he consumed the defendants’ products and did not identify the products he consumed. The judge stated that while the court is “deeply concerned” about the effect of UPFs on children, the lawsuit failed to adequately state a claim.
May 2025: First Lawsuits Against UPF Companies Filed
An anticipated wave of lawsuits that portray Big Food as the next Big Tobacco liken the addictiveness of UPFs to that of cigarettes. Companies like Kraft Heinz Co., Coca-Cola Co., and General Mills Inc. are among the targets of the suits filed in 2024, with products like Jell-O, Oreos, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, Fritos, Lucky Charms, and others mentioned by name.
One lawsuit accused the packaged food industry of using the same neuroscience research and marketing tactics as the tobacco industry to get children hooked on unhealthy products. The lawsuit said UPFs meet the same criteria for addictiveness that the surgeon general used for tobacco in 1988: the ability to cause compulsive use, psychoactive effects, and reinforce behavior.
How Our Pennsylvania Ultra-Processed Foods Attorneys Can Help
In the law, local matters. At Cordisco & Saile, we’ve served Pennsylvania for years, and we know the intricacies of Pennsylvania laws. Our award-winning team of personal injury lawyers fights for the people of Bucks County, Montgomery County, Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and throughout Pennsylvania. Our founders, John F. Cordisco and Michael L. Saile Jr., have practiced personal injury law for over 30 years, with a proven track record of recovering millions for injured victims. We fight because you deserve someone on your side.
Cordisco & Saile is Here for Families
Ultra-processed food lawsuits often involve parents and their children who were unfairly targeted by deceptive advertising. Backed by over 400 five-star reviews, Cordisco & Saile offers families legal and emotional support throughout the lawsuit process. We fight for your future and your family.
“I can’t say enough great things about this firm! Between the two attorneys that helped me, Steven and Mike, and my paralegal, Michelle, I felt so supported! The entire team at Cordisco & Saile has great communication, compassion, and understanding when dealing with your case. I would recommend this firm to anyone.”
“I highly recommend Cordisco & Saile without any hesitation. Mike and his team go above and beyond working with us. Their professionalism, honesty, knowledge, and expertise put me at ease knowing we’re in good hands. They were always able to be there whenever we had questions or concerns that needed to be addressed. They care for their clients and call to check in from time to time to see how you are doing.”
How Do I Know If I Have a Lawsuit?
You may have grounds to file an ultra-processed foods lawsuit if you experienced negative health effects from consuming UPFs, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or heart disease. To file a claim, you must have evidence, such as medical records and reports that show a link between UPFs and your health conditions. If you believe you may have a case, contact Cordisco & Saile for a free case review.
Who Can I Hold Liable for My Processed Food Injuries?
Potential liable parties in an ultra-processed food lawsuit may include UPF manufacturers, distributors, and marketers, as some lawsuits accuse these companies of using deceptive advertising practices to target children. Some of the companies named as defendants in UPF lawsuits so far include:
- Kraft Heinz
- Coca-Cola
- PepsiCo
- Nestlé
- General Mills
- Post Consumer Brands
Types of Compensation in Ultra-Processed Food Cases
People who have suffered health conditions allegedly linked to ultra-processed foods may be able to recover compensation for various losses, such as the cost of diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Through a lawsuit, individuals may also be compensated for the long-term consequences of these conditions, including loss of enjoyment of life, the inability to earn a living, and physical impairment. At Cordisco & Saile, we’ve recovered over $100 million for our deserving clients.
Challenges in Processed Foods Cases
Ultra-processed foods lawsuits can be complex, as research into the full effects of these foods is ongoing, and litigation is just beginning. In August, a judge dismissed a lawsuit that claimed several major food companies aggressively market addictive ultra-processed foods to children because the plaintiff didn’t adequately allege that the companies’ products caused him harm. Going up against large corporations in court is always a challenge.
Speak with an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered health issues due to the consumption of ultra-processed foods, Cordisco & Saile can help. Our nationally recognized team of UPF lawsuit attorneys will review your case and identify all your legal options for seeking justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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