Summary
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investigating allegations that children are being exposed to high levels of sugar and fat in food. The U.K. Food Standards Agency is also investigating claims that children have been exposed to excessive amounts of sugar.
In the U.S. there are more than 100,000 children who suffer from obesity. The number of children suffering from obesity is rising. The U.K. has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world.
Is this the first time someone has sued over “addictive’ foods? No. The focus is on “ultra-processed” foods.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investigating allegations that the U.N. has failed to adequately protect children from the effects of food additives.
If the plaintiff succeeds, it could set a legal precedent for holding food manufacturers accountable. The lawsuit focuses on alleged deception, intentional addictive design, and targeting kids.
Looking at past tobacco litigation may help courts understand how to handle evidence of industry knowledge of harmfulness. The plaintiff must show not only that these products can harm kids, but also that defendants allegedly knew and concealed these dangers.
Documents allegedly showing CEOs at that 1999 meeting discussing how kids were getting heavier, yet choosing not to alter their products. If courts favor the plaintiff, regulators might mandate health warnings or limit these products.
Could a class action follow? If this case succeeds, others with similar claims might band together in larger class actions against these or other companies.
The lawsuit alleges that major food companies knowingly created and pushed ultra-processed foods designed to be addictive. While these are allegations, not proven facts, the outcome could shape how we understand the responsibilities of corporations.
The lawsuit was filed by a group of parents who are concerned about their children’s health. The parents are concerned that their children are at risk of developing cancer.
