RALEIGH, N.C. — Eleven of the world’s food giants are at the center of a federal lawsuit taking aim at ultra-processed foods.
The lawsuit, filed in Pennsylvania, targets Kraft Heinz Co. Inc, Mondelez International Inc., Post Holdings Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo Inc., General Mills Inc., Nestle USA Inc., Kellanova, WK Kellogg Co., Mars Incorporated Inc. and Conagra Brands Inc.
The plaintiff accuses the companies of using the same playbook as Big Tobacco to market unhealthy products to Americans.
Dr. Christopher Kelly, UNC Rex cardiologist, defines ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as products that have a long shelf life, contain five or more ingredients, and contain high amounts of sugar.
