Ultra-processed food (UPF) manufacturers have brought 235 lawsuits against governments since 2010, according to investigative group Lighthouse Reports. These legal actions are aimed at preventing the implementation of policies designed to tackle diet-related diseases.
More than a third of the identifiable cases were filed by major global brands, with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Mondelēz leading the trend. The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, criticised the use of litigation to oppose or weaken public health measures related to obesity and unhealthy diets, stating that these delays incur billions in healthcare and legal expenses for countries.
In the UK, Kellogg's sued the secretary of state for health in 2021 over plans to control promotions on foods high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS). Kellogg's lost the case, with the trial judge noting that adding milk to a high-sugar breakfast cereal does not change its high sugar content. However, the lawsuit consumed significant government time and resources.