Lawsuit Filed Against Major Food Companies Addresses Childhood Chronic Disease Epidemic

A lawsuit filed against major food companies including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola alleges that purposeful marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contributes to increasing rates of chronic disease in children including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These health conditions were previously largely confined to older adults; however, rates have risen significantly in children, calling for increased attention to the dangers of processed foods and holding those who produce them accountable. The case has been described as the first of its kind.¹

Child standing on a floor scale | Image Credit: © Protsenko Dmitriy - stock.adobe.com

“For the first time ever, [T2D] and [MASLD] emerged in adolescents around the turn of the millennium,” according to the lawsuit. “The rates of these diseases in children are now surging, with rates of both doubling in recent years. [MASLD] is now as common in children as asthma.”²

UPFs are considered foods that are altered from their natural state through the addition of salt, oil, and sugar, as well as artificial colors and preservatives. Examples of UFPs include deli meats, mass-produced bread, packaged snacks, cereal, many frozen products, and premade soups. Experts report that high consumption of UPFs is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, common mental disorders, and mortality. Some studies suggest that the high levels of carbohydrates and fats found in UPFs are addictive and are trying to understand the mechanisms underlying compulsive consumption of these foods.^2-4

Interest in UPFs and the chronic disease epidemic in the United States has risen sharply, especially in light of soaring medical costs and the “Make American Healthy Again” movement started by the Trump Administration. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, data show that 17% of children from 2022 to 2023 between the ages 6 and 17 had obesity. Many attribute this to the increased consumption of UFPs and the marketing of unhealthy foods, which is largely geared toward children. In 2018, food and beverage advertisements accounted for 23% of all ads aired during children’s television programs.^5-7

The lawsuit, filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas by Bryce Martinez, highlights how advertising strategies evolved after Big Tobacco entered the food market in the 1980s. It claims that when Phillip Morris International and RJ Reynolds—American tobacco companies—purchased major food companies, including General Foods and Kraft Heinz, they adapted the aggressive marketing tactics used for cigarettes to promote UPFs. This included targeting children through television, digital platforms, and in-school advertising, creating a food environment saturated with addictive, unhealthy options.²

“Collectively, Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds dominated the US food system for decades. During this time, they used their cigarette playbook to fill our food environment with addictive substances that are aggressively marketed to children and minorities,” states the lawsuit.²

Experts have drawn parallels between the addictive qualities of UPFs and those of nicotine. Studies show that the high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in UPFs activate reward pathways in the brain, leading to compulsive consumption. The lawsuit argues that food companies were aware of these effects but continued to market these products to vulnerable populations, contributing to the rising rates of chronic illnesses in children.^2,8

The burden of childhood chronic illness places significant strain on the health care system, particularly on pharmacists who manage long-term conditions like obesity, T2D, and MASLD. Treating these diseases often requires costly medications, ongoing monitoring, and specialized care, which can stretch already limited health care resources. Children with these conditions often need regular check-ups, blood tests, and specialist consultations, not only to manage symptoms and prevent complications but also to monitor the effectiveness of treatments. This ongoing care can be challenging for both providers and families.

Addressing the rising prevalence of these illnesses among children will require comprehensive policy reforms, enhanced public health initiatives, and targeted efforts to reduce the consumption of UPFs. The combined efforts of the health care system, policymakers, and the community are crucial to ensure that future generations are healthier.

REFERENCES

1. Lawsuit accuses major food companies of marketing 'addictive' food to kids. Reuters. December 11, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.reuters.com/legal/lawsuit-accuses-major-food-companies-marketing-addictive-food-kids-2024-12-10/

2. Bryce Martinez v. Kraft Heinz Co., et al., Case ID: 241201154 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. filed Dec. 10, 2024).

3. Chronic inflammation driven by diet may contribute to colorectal cancer, study finds. Pharmacy Times. December 18, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/chronic-inflammation-driven-by-diet-may-contribute-to-colorectal-cancer-study-finds

4. Dr. Ashley Gearhardt on addiction and ultra-processed foods. NIH News in Health. February 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2024/02/dr-ashley-gearhardt-addiction-ultra-processed-foods

5. Experts voice concerns, cautious optimism with Kennedy potentially leading the HHS. Pharmacy Times. December 6, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/experts-voice-concerns-cautious-optimism-with-kennedy-potentially-leading-the-hhs

6. Explore data by demographic. State of Childhood Obesity. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/demographic-data/ages-6-17/

7. Food marketing to kids. Center for Science in the Public Interest. October 12, 2021. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.cspinet.org/advocacy/nutrition/food-marketing-kids

8. Some ultra-processed foods are as addictive as cigarettes and cocaine. U.S. Right to Know. February 28, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://usrtk.org/ultra-processed-foods/addictive/#:~:text=A%202023%20review%20of%20281,Overall%2C%20the%20researchers%20found%20that