An investigation by the Guardian and international media partners has identified 235 lawsuits filed by ultra-processed food manufacturers and industry associations challenging government policies designed to address unhealthy diets. The cases were filed between 2010 and 2025 across Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the US and the UK. Of lawsuits where the plaintiff was identifiable, 38% were brought by eight parent corporations: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Kellogg’s, Danone, Ferrero, Xignux and Heartland Food Products Group.
Food labeling was the most frequently litigated policy, followed by taxes on junk food and marketing restrictions. The vast majority of lawsuits—three-quarters of resolved cases—were won by governments. However, the cumulative duration of unresolved cases totaled approximately 600 years in court. Meanwhile, unsuccessful lawsuits still delayed adoption of public health policies by years, consuming significant government resources and attention.
Experts characterize the legal strategy as mirroring tactics used by the tobacco industry for decades. Rather than overturning regulations outright, the litigation appears designed to slow implementation, deter future policy adoption, and discourage government action. A researcher at the University of Sydney noted that the industry strategy functions “to delay, deter and constrain as much as, if not more to overturn” public health measures.
The overwhelming majority of lawsuits were filed in Mexico, which has been a global leader in adopting strong food environment policies. Mexico is among several countries that have explicitly recommended limiting ultra-processed foods. The investigation found far fewer lawsuits in the UK and US, with experts attributing this partly to weaker regulatory environments and industry influence on policy design in those countries.
Scientific evidence indicates ultra-processed foods are linked to harm across major organ systems and are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and mental health conditions. Global consumption continues rising, comprising as much as half the average diet in many developed nations.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI