A groundbreaking lawsuit filed in 2024 could mark a turning point in how the legal system views ultraprocessed foods. In what is being called the first of its kind, this lawsuit accuses major food manufacturers of intentionally engineering snack foods to be addictive – leading to compulsive eating behaviors, obesity, and related health issues.
But is this just the beginning of a wave of litigation? And what rights do consumers have when corporations knowingly market harmful products?
At Kherkher Garcia, our product liability attorneys are watching this case closely. What’s more, we are ready to fight for those harmed by deceptive food practices and dangerous consumer products.
The Addictive Food Lawsuit: A New Legal Frontier
In June 2024, a group of parents filed a lawsuit against some of the biggest names in food manufacturing, including PepsiCo, Kellogg’s, and General Mills. The plaintiffs allege these companies:
- Designed ultraprocessed foods like cereals, chips, and sugary snacks to be biologically addictive.
- Knew these foods disrupted natural hunger signals, contributing to overeating.
- Targeted children with advertising strategies that capitalize on developing brains.
This lawsuit draws from decades of scientific research on how sugar, fat, and salt can alter brain chemistry in ways similar to addictive drugs. It marks a shift in legal thinking from “personal responsibility” to corporate accountability for manipulating consumer behavior.
If successful, this case could open the door to more lawsuits over food addiction and deceptive marketing practices.
Product Liability Laws: Holding Corporations Accountable
Under U.S. law, product liability refers to the responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, or retailers when a product causes harm. These laws are grounded in the idea that companies must ensure their products are safe for their intended use.
There are three primary types of product liability claims:
- Design Defects – The product is inherently dangerous due to its design.
- Manufacturing Defects – A product becomes unsafe because of how it is made.
- Failure to Warn / Marketing Defects – The company fails to properly warn consumers of risks.
Emerging addictive food lawsuits likely fall into all three categories:
- The design of these foods is alleged to cause addiction.
- The manufacturing processes intentionally heighten their addictive properties.
- Companies failed to warn consumers about the health risks and marketed aggressively to children.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In a product liability case, more than one party may share legal responsibility. Potentially liable parties in food-related lawsuits may include:
- Manufacturers: Companies that design and produce the food.
- Food Scientists / Consultants: Experts who develop recipes and test addictive formulations.
- Marketing Firms: Agencies that design campaigns targeting children or vulnerable consumers.
- Retailers: Businesses that sell knowingly harmful products without warnings.
In the recent lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue that the entire supply chain was complicit in making and promoting products that are “unreasonably dangerous.”
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If a consumer is harmed by a dangerous or deceptively marketed food product, they may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (treatment for obesity-related illnesses, eating disorders, etc.)
- Mental health treatment (therapy for compulsive eating or food addiction)
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or misconduct)
In class action lawsuits, entire groups of people may seek damages if they were similarly harmed by the same product or practice.
Other Notable Product Liability Lawsuits
While the addictive food lawsuit is new territory, courts have seen major product liability cases in recent years involving a range of consumer harms. These cases show how powerful legal action can be in protecting public health.
Johnson & Johnson – Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Thousands of women filed claims alleging that long-term use of talc-based powders caused ovarian cancer. J&J has paid billions in settlements, and courts found evidence the company knew about the cancer risk but failed to warn consumers.
JUUL – Youth Vaping Addiction
JUUL Labs has been subject to numerous lawsuits from parents and school districts, claiming the company marketed its e-cigarettes to teens and failed to disclose the risks of nicotine addiction. The company paid nearly $1 billion in settlements to resolve these claims.
Monsanto / Bayer – Roundup Weed Killer
Several verdicts found that the active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, caused cancer in users. Plaintiffs successfully argued that Monsanto failed to warn of these dangers. Bayer (which acquired Monsanto) agreed to a $10 billion settlement.
These cases prove that when companies fail to prioritize safety, they can be held accountable—and victims have a legal path to justice.
Why This Lawsuit Matters for Consumers
The addictive food lawsuit may change how food companies operate and how courts define harm. For too long, the burden has fallen on individuals – especially parents and children – while billion-dollar corporations have profited from products designed to override our biology.
If successful, this lawsuit could:
- Set new legal standards for what constitutes a dangerous food product.
- Force companies to disclose more information about ingredients and effects.
- Open the door to more claims by consumers harmed by ultraprocessed, addictive foods.
At Kherkher Garcia, we believe your health and well-being shouldn’t be sacrificed for corporate profit. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous consumer product, our legal team is ready to fight for your rights.
FAQ: Addictive Foods and Product Liability
Have questions about food addiction claims or product liability? We can help! Take a look at some of the more common questions we receive about these types of cases.
Can I sue a food company for making me or my child addicted to their products?
You may have a valid claim if the food was intentionally designed to be addictive and caused measurable harm. These cases are new and complex, so consulting an experienced attorney is critical.
Is it my fault if I overeat?
Not necessarily. Food companies spend billions engineering products to override your natural hunger cues. This is not always a matter of willpower, it is a matter of corporate manipulation.
What qualifies as a dangerous food product?
A product may be considered dangerous if it causes addiction, severe health conditions, or contributes to chronic illness – and if the manufacturer failed to warn or disclose those risks.
Can I join a class action lawsuit?
Possibly. If you’ve suffered similar harm as others, your case might be eligible for inclusion in a class action or multi-district litigation (MDL). An attorney can help determine this.
What does it cost to file a product liability case?
At Kherkher Garcia, we take product liability cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Kherkher Garcia: Fighting for Consumers Harmed by Dangerous Products
The food industry may soon face the same reckoning as Big Tobacco and Big Pharma. If companies knowingly created addictive, harmful products and marketed them to vulnerable consumers, then they must be held accountable.
At Kherkher Garcia, we have a long track record of fighting major corporations on behalf of injured consumers and families. We are passionate about exposing corporate negligence and securing real justice. Whether you have been harmed by an ultraprocessed food, a dangerous drug, or a toxic consumer product, we are here to help. Our attorneys will listen, investigate, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let’s hold negligent companies accountable together. To start your consultation, call us now at 713-333-1030. You can also request more information or a consultation by submitting our online contact form.
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