The world's biggest ultra-processed food companies have filed scores of lawsuits challenging government policies that tackle junk diets, revealing a pattern of legal obstruction aimed at preserving profits. These ultra-processed food lawsuits represent a coordinated effort to weaken health rules across multiple continents, according to a Guardian investigation.
The Scale of the Legal Challenge
From 2010 to 2025, researchers identified 235 lawsuits challenging health policies targeting ultra-processed foods in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the US, and the UK. Nearly three-quarters were filed by UPF manufacturers or their trade associations. Among the identifiable plaintiffs, 38% were brought by just eight parent corporations: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Kellogg's, Danone, Ferrero, Xignux, and Heartland Food Products Group.
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| Country | Number of Lawsuits (2010–2025) | Primary Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 87 | Warning labels, advertising bans |
| Colombia | 42 | Junk food taxes |
| Brazil | 38 | Front-of-pack labeling |
| United States | 35 | School food restrictions |
| United Kingdom | 33 | HFSS marketing limits |
How Companies Use the Courts
Legal Avenues and Tactics
Food giants publicly support health policies while secretly suing to overturn or delay them. Tactics include challenging the science linking ultra-processed foods to chronic disease, arguing that regulations violate free trade agreements, and seeking injunctions to pause implementation. Some corporations even requested courts withhold their names from public records.
Outcomes and Implications
Of the resolved cases, three-quarters were lost by the food giants. However, the lengthy legal battles—often lasting years—delayed critical health measures, allowing continued marketing of junk food to children and adults. Worldwide consumption of UPF now makes up as much as half the average diet in countries like the UK, US, and Australia.
Key Takeaways
- 235 lawsuits filed globally, with industry funding behind three-quarters of them.
- Eight parent corporations account for 38% of identifiable corporate cases.
- Governments win 75% of resolved cases, but delays harm public health.
- UPF consumption is linked to harm in every major organ system.
FAQ
What are ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are industrial formulations made mostly from substances extracted from foods, such as oils, fats, sugars, starches, and additives. They include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
Why do food companies sue governments?
Companies sue to overturn or delay health policies like warning labels, advertising restrictions, and junk food taxes. These rules reduce sales of high-profit UPF products, prompting legal challenges to protect market share.
Are these lawsuits successful?
Most lawsuits are lost by the food companies—three-quarters of resolved cases ended in favor of governments. However, the lengthy legal processes slow down implementation of health measures, giving companies years of continued unrestricted sales.
The investigation underscores a troubling pattern: while claiming to support public health, the ultra-processed food industry actively uses litigation as a weapon to maintain its influence. As global consumption rises and health harms mount, the need for transparent, enforceable regulations has never been more urgent.
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