Alabama & Georgia Ultra-Processed Foods Attorneys 

The Dangerous Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods 

Countless studies have found troubling connections between ultra-processed foods and serious health problems. 

Type 2 Diabetes 

Once referred to as “adult-onset diabetes,” Type 2 Diabetes is increasingly affecting children. Ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of added sugars and refined carbs, which cause blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance — two key factors in developing diabetes. Over time, consistently eating such foods may have catastrophic effects on young, developing bodies. 

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis 

A condition historically found in middle-aged adults, NAFLD is on the rise among children. High-fat, high-sugar diets promoted by ultra-processed foods can contribute to excessive fat storage in the liver. Left unchecked, this condition can progress to liver inflammation and scarring, severely impacting quality of life and even leading to liver failure.

Addictiveness 

Experts are comparing ultra-processed foods to addictive substances like tobacco. Added sugars, enhanced flavors, and chemical additives can trigger reward systems in the brain, making people — especially children — crave more. Just as tobacco companies used flavorings to make cigarettes appealing to young users, food manufacturers are accused of using additives to make UPFs irresistible and habit-forming. 

How Advertising Fuels the Ultra-Processed Foods Crisis for Kids 

Aggressive marketing is a core reason why ultra-processed foods are so prevalent in children’s diets. Brands spend nearly $14 billion annually on marketing, predominantly targeting children and teens. 

Food marketing’s influence extends beyond mere product promotion. It shapes children’s tastes, normalizes unhealthy eating habits, and fosters lifelong loyalty to certain brands. As a result, millions of kids, unaware of the risks, consume ultra-processed foods daily, setting the stage for future health complications.

These advertisements are inescapable. Kids are bombarded with marketing on social media, in video games, and even at school. Influencers blur the line between entertainment and advertising. More than one-third of YouTube videos on child-focused channels feature branded food, mostly sugary snacks and drinks. 

Who Can File an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit? 

Eligibility to file a lawsuit depends on several important factors. You may qualify to take legal action if you or a loved one: 

• Were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. 
• Consumed ultra-processed foods regularly over an extended period. 
• Were diagnosed with the above health conditions at a young age, specifically before the age of 18, a critical time when health issues can have long-term consequences. 

These criteria aim to establish a connection between prolonged consumption of ultra-processed foods and the development of these health issues. 

Consulting an experienced attorney is the best way to determine if your unique circumstances meet the requirements for joining this mass tort. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help you seek accountability from companies that prioritize profits over consumer health.

How to Make a Strong Ultra-Processed Foods Claim 

Building a strong legal claim for ultra-processed foods involves thorough documentation. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Save receipts and proof of purchase. Keep records of any ultra-processed food products you regularly consumed, including store receipts, online order confirmations, or bank statements showing the purchases. These documents provide evidence of your consumption over time. 
• Maintain or gather packaging, labels, or advertisements. Collect any product packaging, nutrition labels, or marketing materials that influenced your decision to buy these foods. Highlight any claims or statements that may have misled you, such as “healthy,” “natural,” or “low-fat.” 
• Document medical diagnoses and treatment notes. If you experienced health issues linked to consuming these products, ensure you have detailed documentation from healthcare providers. Include diagnostic reports, treatment plans, prescriptions, and any recommendations related to dietary changes. 
• Retain communication regarding purchases or promotions. Save any emails, letters, or messages about special offers, promotions, or product updates. These can provide context about the way the products were marketed to you and whether there was any deceptive or misleading information involved. 

The more organized and comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your claim will be. Taking the time to gather these details will significantly enhance your ability to pursue a valid legal case.

What Compensation Can You Expect from an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit? 

Compensation in these lawsuits typically covers various types of damages aimed at addressing the financial, physical, and emotional toll caused by the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Key areas of compensation include: 

• Medical expenses - This can include costs related to hospital stays, surgeries, treatments, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for chronic conditions. 
• Pain and suffering - Beyond financial costs, these lawsuits acknowledge the physical pain and emotional distress caused by illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, or a reduced quality of life. 
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity - If health issues have forced you to take time off work or have permanently affected your ability to earn a living, compensation can help cover lost income or diminished earning potential. 

While it’s impossible to predict the exact monetary outcome of these lawsuits, the primary goal is twofold: to provide much-needed financial relief to affected individuals and families, and to hold food companies accountable. Our seasoned lawyers are highly experienced in maximizing settlements, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.