Teen Lawsuit Against Food Giants: A Bold Wake-Up Call for Public Health
In a groundbreaking lawsuit, 18-year-old Bryce Martinez from Warrington, Pennsylvania, has taken on 11 major food companies, claiming that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are as addictive as cigarettes and have led to serious health issues, including fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes.
In a groundbreaking lawsuit, an 18-year-old Pennsylvanian takes on 11 major food companies, claiming their ultraprocessed foods are as addictive as cigarettes and have lead to serious health issues, including fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, and – Dr. Brenna Bray (pHD) adds – eating disorders!
The Lawsuit’s Core
Martinez’s 148-page lawsuit, filed on December 10, 2024, in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, alleges that these food giants have engaged in “predatory profiteering.” The companies are accused of designing and promoting unhealthy foods specifically targeting children, without adequately informing the public about the associated dangers.
Health Impacts and Legal Claims
Martinez’s legal team highlights that health problems like those he faces were rare among children before the rise of UPFs. They cite scientific research showing a dramatic increase in childhood diseases such as obesity coinciding with the introduction of these foods. The lawsuit includes charges of negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, failure to warn consumers, and violations of unfair trade practices and consumer protection laws.
The Addictive Nature of UPFs
The lawsuit draws a parallel between UPFs and cigarettes, emphasizing their impact on the brain’s reward system. Martinez’s legal team argues that these foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable, making them difficult to resist, especially for children. Brands like Sour Patch Kids, Cheez-It crackers, and Hot Pockets are cited as examples of UPFs that bypass the gut’s hunger and satiety signaling mechanisms.
Local Support and Advocacy
Dr. Brenna Bray, a local neuroscientist, naturopath, and mental health advocate with a track record of federal funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH). Dr. Bray is also founder and director of the NourishED Research Foundation, has voiced her support for Martinez’s efforts. “This lawsuit is a much-needed wake-up call for the food industry and the public,” Dr. Bray stated. “We need to prioritize the health of our children and hold these companies accountable for their actions.”
Dr. Brenna Bray (PhD), Neuroscientist, Naturopathic Health Coach, and Mental Health educator, received NIH funding to research the impacts of predatory food practices on physical and mental health issues like obesity, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
The Role of NourishED Research Foundation
The NourishED Resarch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization founded by Dr. Brenna Bray, a local PhD Neuroscientist and Mental Health Researcher and Educator.
“NourishED was founded to increase awareness about the impacts of predatory food industry practices and processed foods on physical and mental health,” Dr. Bray says. www.nourishedrfi.org
The NourishED Resarch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization founded by local PhD Neuroscientist and Mental Health Researcher and Educator Brenna Bray to increase awareness about the impacts of predatory food industry practices and processed foods on physical and mental health. www.nourishedrfi.org
Blowing the Whistle on Big Food & Tobacco
“We have so much research out now — including mine — on the impacts of food advertising, marketing, and products — especially ultraprocessed foods — on physical and mental health. They are strongly linked with obesity, depression, anxiety, and of course eating disorders,” Dr. Bray says.
“Research shows very clearly that our food industry practices and impacts are no different from those of tobacco industries in the ’80s,” Dr. Bray adds.
“In fact, most big food companies are actually owned by big tobacco companies and they use the same marketing tactics that are now largely illeagal in the tobacco sector, but not yet in the food arena,” Dr. Bray says, referencing her groundbreaking 2022 publication that blew the whistle on big food companies in this arena (Bray et al., 2022; section 3.8 (pg 19) and 4.1.8 (pg 28)).
Broader Implications
As the lawsuit progresses, it is expected to spark a broader conversation about the role of ultraprocessed foods in the American diet and their impact on public health. Health experts are calling for stricter regulations on food marketing and labeling, as well as more comprehensive education on nutrition for both children and parents.
Looking Ahead
Martinez continues to manage his health conditions with the support of his family and medical team. He hopes that his case will inspire others to examine their diets and make healthier choices. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the food industry and public health policies. If successful, it may pave the way for more lawsuits and regulatory changes aimed at protecting consumers from the harmful effects of ultraprocessed foods.
Conclusion
Stay tuned, because if this lawsuit gains traction, food as we have accepted it in the school systems may be under fire! The discovery phase promises to reveal even more shocking evidence about the practices of these food giants.
About the Author
This article was written by Alyx Luck Barnett, ND (NourishED Research Foundation Chief of Operations (COO)).
Dr. Barnett is a dedicated mother, naturopathic doctor (ND), health care provider and consultant, and community health advocate who brings extensive experience in healthcare provision and consulting, business development and accounting, and community engagement to NRFi. She currently resides in Damascus Virginia, but has a deep love for the Colorado outdoors.
Dr. Barnett holds a Research Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) in Marketing/Marketing Management, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Her diverse educational background underpins her holistic approach to health and wellness.
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