Mass Tort Trial Attorneys Seeking Real Justice for Children & Families Harmed by UPFs
An ultra-processed foods lawsuit could be the first real opportunity to hold food manufacturers accountable for your child’s health issues. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help families understand their rights and determine whether they have a legal right to compensation.
If your child developed a serious health condition (type-2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, NAFLD) after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods, you may be eligible to pursue legal action. Fortunately, we are accepting new clients nationwide who may be victims of health issues associated with ultra-processed foods.
As legal advocates, we have a responsibility to protect those who can’t protect themselves. If dangerous ultra-processed foods are hurting our kids and these big food companies put profits before people, it is our mission to fight on your behalf for Real Justice.
Our team is currently investigating ultra-processed foods lawsuits on behalf of children and families across the country. Call 617-420-1111 or contact us online today to schedule your FREE case review. Remember, you don’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation for you.
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Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Bad?
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are marketed as convenient, and while they very well may be, they’re also chemically engineered to encourage overconsumption and long-term dependency, especially in children. Additionally, UPFs have been linked to health issues like obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
The NOVA Food Classification System describes UPFs as industrially manufactured food products containing little to no natural food and often packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other additives. These products are loaded with ingredients meant to extend shelf life, improve taste and texture, and increase cravings.
As a result, consumers end up with products that are nutritionally empty and extremely harmful when eaten regularly. Kids, whose bodies are still developing, are most at risk for negative health impacts.
Ultra-Processed Foods vs. Processed Foods
Not all foods are created equal. Understanding the difference between these types of foods helps us better care for ourselves and our children.
- Natural foods are foods in their natural state or minimally altered, like fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. They are rich in nutrients and fiber.
- Minimally processed foods might be washed, chopped, frozen, or pasteurized, but they still retain their original structure and nutritional value.
- Processed foods include items like canned vegetables, whole grain bread, and cheese. These are real foods with added ingredients for flavor, texture, or shelf life.
- Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, are heavily modified with industrial formulations. They’re made from substances extracted from foods like sugars, hydrogenated fats, and starches, and then packed with additives.
List of Ultra-Processed Foods To Avoid
- Sugary breakfast cereals
- Soda & sweetened beverages
- Energy drinks
- Packaged snacks like chips & cookies
- Frozen pizza & ready-to-eat meals
- Processed meats like hot dogs & chicken nuggets
- Candy & energy bars
- Fast foods
According to a 2021 study published in JAMA, the percentage of calories children and teens in the U.S. get from ultra-processed foods rose from 61.4% in 1999 to 67.0% in 2018. That unfortunate upward trend shows us how dominant UPFs have become in children’s diets.
Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits Being Filed?
As a parent, you’ve likely trusted that the food on store shelves wouldn’t put your child’s health at risk. Unfortunately, some of the most recognizable brands in the world are now facing serious allegations of doing just that.
Families across the country are coming forward, asking how these companies could stomach prioritizing their success over the well-being of our kids. It’s happened time and again, and something must be done. The legal effort to uncover what food companies knew and when they knew it strives for accountability, recovery, and change.
Recent ultra-processed foods lawsuits allege that major food manufacturers:
- Engineered foods to be addictive by manipulating flavor, texture, and appearance.
- Targeted children through marketing tactics like cartoon mascots, free toys, digital games, and more.
- Failed to warn consumers about the long-term health risks (e.g., cancer, NAFLD, type-2 diabetes, obesity).
- Prioritized profits over transparency and public health.
We ask that companies peddling UPFs be held responsible for the real-world impacts their actions have had on families across the country. If you’re wondering whether your child’s health issues could be linked to ultra-processed foods, you have the right to ask questions. We’re here to help you get answers.
We know what it takes to hold corporate giants accountable. R.J. Reynolds targeted teenagers with menthol cigarettes, and we took them to court and won a $200 million verdict for a family that deserved justice. That same commitment to Real Advocacy guides our fight against companies that knowingly put children’s health at risk.
Bernheim Kelley is actively investigating ultra-processed foods claims and taking on new clients nationwide. Our experienced mass tort trial attorneys are trusted allies driven to help families get the Real Justice and Real Results they deserve. Reach out today for a FREE case evaluation to help you understand your rights and next steps.
What Are the Side Effects for Children?
Ultra-processed foods are not harmless treats. They are linked to some serious pediatric health issues. Several studies have shown strong correlations between regular UPF consumption and the following conditions in children:
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes used to be rare in children, but it is rising at an unsettling rate. Ultra-processed foods are loaded with added sugars and refined carbohydrates. These ingredients contribute to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Research shows that for every 10% increase in daily caloric intake from UPFs, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by 17%. Replacing UPFs with minimally processed foods significantly lowers that risk.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD occurs when fat builds up in the liver without alcohol consumption. It’s now one of the most common liver diseases in children, especially those with diets high in sugar and processed fats. A 2023 article in Hepatology Communications reported that higher UPF intake in adolescents was associated with an increased risk for NAFLD.
Hypertension
UPFs are often extremely high in sodium. Research published in Pediatrics confirms that high sodium intake has been linked to higher blood pressure in children and teens, increasing their risk for early signs of hypertension. This link is even stronger in children who are overweight or obese, another risk factor related to ultra-processed foods.
Obesity
UPFs are calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, and easy to overconsume, especially for kids. Their addictive properties, combined with high sugar and fat content, contribute directly to weight gain. The CDC reports that more than 20% of U.S. children and teens are obese, and a 2021 study in Obesity Reviews confirms that ultra-processed food consumption is a key contributor to those alarming numbers.
Cancer
Although more research is needed specifically on children, some studies have found a link between ultra-processed food consumption and an increased cancer risk. The NutriNet-Santé cohort study, published in 2018, found that a 10% increase in UPF consumption was associated with a 12% increase in the risk of overall cancer and an 11% increase in the risk of breast cancer.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Many UPFs contain emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and other additives that have been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome. A 2024 cohort study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology confirms that higher UPF consumption has been linked to an increased risk of IBS, with symptoms like bloating, cramps, and irregular bowel movements.
Each of these health risks can make daily life a struggle. They can also have lifelong consequences that are devastating to every member of your family.
If your child is suffering from any of these conditions and you suspect ultra-processed foods may have played a role, Bernheim Kelley wants to help. We are currently offering FREE case evaluations and taking new clients nationwide. Let’s get some answers and see what your legal options may be.
What Companies Are Named in the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits?
Several of the largest food and beverage companies are now facing ultra-processed foods lawsuits, including:
- Kraft Heinz
- Mondelēz International
- PepsiCo
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Nestlé USA
- General Mills
- Kellogg’s (Kellanova & WK Kellogg)
- Mars Incorporated
- Conagra Brands
- Post Holdings
UPF lawsuits allege that these companies knowingly marketed harmful products to children and failed to disclose the real health risks despite internal knowledge and a growing medical consensus. If proven, these actions show a horrendous disregard for one of the most vulnerable populations. It’s a violation of trust that can’t soon be forgotten and won’t be smoothed over.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit
Joining the ultra-processed foods lawsuit starts by reaching out to our attorneys. If your child was under 18 when they were diagnosed with a serious health condition (e.g., type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, hypertension, cancer, obesity) and they regularly consumed UPFs, you may be eligible to file a UPF-related health lawsuit on their behalf.
Here’s what to do:
- Schedule your FREE case evaluation
- Tell us your child’s story
- We’ll assess whether you have a claim
- If eligible, we’ll strategize next steps together
If there’s a path forward, we’ll find it and walk it with you. Real help. Real support. Real Justice.
Not a cent unless we win. Seriously. At Bernheim Kelley, we work on a contingency fee basis for UPF cases, which means you don’t pay anything upfront or at all, unless we recover money for you. We handle the heavy lifting, stress, and paperwork so you can focus on your child because justice and accountability shouldn’t be dependent on the size of your wallet.
If your child’s been harmed by ultra-processed food products, the law may allow you to seek compensation for your losses. Depending on the details of your specific case, you may be able to recover:
- Past & future medical expenses
- Therapy or specialized care
- Emotional distress
- Pain & suffering
- Lost quality of life
- And more
We’ll help document your family’s losses and pursue the kind of outcome that restores your confidence in the future and provides for real peace of mind.
There’s no one-size-fits-all number here. Honestly, that’s a good thing. These claims are complex and unique. Payouts depend on factors like:
- How severe the diagnosis is
- How long your child consumed UPFs
- The costs of treatment & care
- Long-term impacts on your family’s daily life
At Bernheim Kelley, we don’t concern ourselves with averages. We aim for what is right for your family, addressing your suffering, your needs, and your hopes for the future.
How long you have to file a claim depends on where you live and when your child’s condition was diagnosed.
Each state has its own statute of limitations, which is essentially a legal countdown clock. For example, the Florida statute of limitations is 2 years, whereas in Tennessee, you only have 1 year to file. The clock typically starts when the diagnosis occurs or when you reasonably learn that ultra-processed foods may have contributed to your child’s condition.
Legal deadlines can come up faster than you think, and once they pass, you may lose your right to file. So, don’t wait in uncertainty. Reach out today, and we’ll help you understand your options.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by what you might need to support your claim, don’t worry. We’ve got you. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. You’re going through enough.
Our job is to build a strong case, and we’re very good at it. Step by step, we will work with you to gather useful evidence, which may include:
- Your child’s medical records
- Diagnosis details & treatment history
- Proof of UPF consumption (like grocery receipts or food diaries)
- Expert medical opinions linking UPFs to the diagnosed condition
You are doing the right thing by researching and learning about your child’s rights as a potential victim of ultra-processed foods. Now, let us handle the rest. When it comes to UPF cases, we know what to look for, how to find it, and how to connect the dots. All you need to do is contact us with your story.
Quite a bit. The allegation is that these companies didn’t just engineer UPFs to be tasty and addictive; they also actively marketed them to children. Aggressive, colorful, and attractive marketing to specifically target young consumers can be highly negligent if the product is known to be dangerous.
Children are far more susceptible to marketing than adults. They’re still developing their critical thinking skills and can’t understand that they are being targeted. Companies exploit these kids’ vulnerabilities by using bright packaging, crossover marketing with TV shows, movies, and video games, influencer tie-ins, and more.
If these corporations knew about UPF health risks and marketed these products to kids anyway, they may be legally accountable for the consequences. Our kids deserve better. Let’s fight for them. Contact our team today for your FREE case evaluation, and let’s get started.
You don’t have to know for sure. You just have to be willing to start asking questions. Then, contact an experienced law firm like Bernheim Kelley to conduct due diligence and evaluate your case for free.
Ultra-processed foods have been scientifically linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, hypertension, and even some forms of cancer. But we know that every child’s situation is unique. You might be piecing things together, noticing patterns, or just trusting your gut that something isn’t right.
Our team will work with medical experts to investigate and clarify whether a link exists in your case. We’ll review your child’s diagnosis, medical history, and exposure to UPFs, and help determine whether there’s a legal path forward.
If you’ve been carrying doubts or questions, you need to find out the truth—whatever that may be. Reach out to us for a FREE consultation, and we can look for the answers together.
Can You Join the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit?
If you’re a parent watching your child suffer from a serious health issue linked to ultra-processed foods, our hearts go out to you. But we can do more than send our thoughts and prayers. We can help you take action.
You may be eligible to join a UPF lawsuit if:
- Your child was under 18 when diagnosed with a qualifying condition, including:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Obesity
- Certain types of cancer
- Hypertension
- They regularly consumed ultra-processed foods over time.
If your child’s diagnosis isn’t listed here, but you suspect a connection, don’t wait to contact us and set up your FREE case evaluation. You can’t get the answers you need unless you ask the questions. Our trusted mass tort trial attorneys are reviewing claims nationwide.
We want your family to thrive. After everything you’ve been through, we will listen to your story and create a strategy that addresses your needs and goals, so you can walk away from all of this with hope.
– you are in good hands!
How Can Bernheim Kelley Help You & Your Family?
We’re not your typical law firm. We’re parents, we’re fighters, and we’re the people you can call when everything seems upside down, and you need a Real Advocate to listen. Every member of the Bernheim Kelley team is steadfast, capable, and compassionate. We want your story to be heard and your future to shine brighter by sharing it.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Support and guidance from mass tort trial attorneys with Real Experience, both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table
- A personalized legal strategy focused on your child’s health and your family’s needs and goals
- Clear, consistent, and multilingual communication so you never feel left in the dark
- Assistance with sourcing medical treatment, if necessary
- Help gathering medical records and expert opinions
And you pay nothing unless we win. We fight because we care and take on giants because we can. That’s how we Keep It Real. To find out if you have a viable UPF claim, reach out today for a FREE consultation.
Real Justice Takes Real Experience & Real Advocacy
When we say we take on giants, we mean it. Our $200 million verdict against R.J. Reynolds shows exactly what we’re capable of. That same drive we brought to the tobacco lawsuit is evident in every case we take on, especially when children’s health is at stake.
If these manufacturers thought they could get away with putting our children’s lives on the line for their own benefit, they seriously underestimated our strength and resolve. Our families cannot be quantified in dollars and cents. We’re real, loving, protective people who want to give our kids a healthy, hopeful future.
When we bring the fight to the legal arena, big businesses have to start paying attention. With an ultra-processed foods lawsuit, we can show these thoughtless companies that we will not accept silence, deception, or disregard.
Bernheim Kelley has recovered over $1 billion for clients across the country. We bring decades of Real Experience to the fight, and our passion for Real Advocacy fuels our resolve to take on the biggest names in the food and beverage industry.
Our Mass Tort Trial Attorneys Are Accepting New Clients—Contact Us Today for a FREE Case Evaluation
It can be hard to know who to trust. When your child’s health and happiness are on the line, Bernheim Kelley is in your corner.
If you believe ultra-processed foods may be linked to your child’s health complications, call us at 617-420-1111 or contact us online today. Our mass tort trial attorneys are investigating ultra-processed food claims throughout the U.S. and offering FREE case evaluations.