Strategy to Delay Regulations
Large manufacturers of ultra-processed foods (UPF) are increasingly using legal proceedings to challenge, delay, or weaken government policies aimed at limiting unhealthy eating. According to the results of an international investigation, a total of 235 lawsuits were registered between 2010 and 2025 in five countries: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the USA, and the UK.
About three-quarters of these proceedings were initiated directly by ultra-processed food manufacturers or by the industry organizations that represent them. The largest number of cases were filed against requirements for warning labels on packaging, restrictions on the advertising of unhealthy products, and the introduction of taxes on so-called "junk foods."
The Effect of Legal Proceedings
Although about 75% of the concluded cases were lost by the food companies, the investigation highlights that legal battles often continue for years. The total duration of all proceedings reaches nearly 600 years. The authors of the analysis point out that even unsuccessful cases succeed in delaying the implementation of health policies and engaging significant administrative and financial resources of state institutions.
The most active country in this segment is Mexico, with 193 legal proceedings. Researchers explain this by the fact that Latin American countries were among the first to introduce strict policies to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Specialists note that the approaches of food companies resemble the strategies used for decades by the tobacco industry.
Health Risks and Business Positions
The introduction of labeling is viewed by experts as a first step toward stricter regulation, which could lead to taxes or advertising restrictions. In the meantime, the consumption of ultra-processed foods continues to grow on a global scale, with in countries like the UK, USA, and Australia, they already account for up to half of the average diet.
The high content of such products is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and other health problems.
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In response to the investigation, business representatives stated various positions. Coca-Cola pointed out that health challenges require cooperation between governments and business. Ferrero stated that they support measures against obesity but are participating in legal procedures due to the manner in which individual policies are implemented. Danone added that business should be a partner to institutions. Companies such as PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Kellogg's, Xignux, and Heartland Food Products Group did not comment on the information.