Appeal Filed in Lawsuit Alleging Ultra-Processed Foods Caused Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease for Teen

Bryce Martinez, a Pennsylvania resident, originally filed suit in December 2024 against major food manufacturers including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and General Mills. Martinez alleged that these companies engaged in deceptive marketing practices to addict children to ultra-processed foods containing high levels of sugar and chemical additives, and that his consumption of such products directly caused him to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and childhood diabetes.

In August 2025, U.S. District Judge Mia R. Perez of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania dismissed the lawsuit, concluding that Martinez failed to provide sufficient factual detail to establish liability. Specifically, the court found that Martinez did not identify the particular products he consumed or the quantities involved, making it impossible to determine how liability and damages should be allocated among the defendants.

Martinez has now filed an appeal seeking to overturn the dismissal ruling. The appeal represents an attempt to revive the litigation and proceed with claims against the food manufacturers for the alleged health injuries he sustained from consuming ultra-processed foods.

This is a curated brief from the PlaintiffWire news desk. Read the original report at AboutLawsuits.