PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit brought by a Philadelphia man against 11 major food and beverage companies that he claimed are responsible for giving him diabetes.
20-year-old Bryce Martinez filed the lawsuit two years ago, claiming Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and others sold ultra-processed products that led to his diagnoses of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
His lawyers argued that Martinez got sick after consuming Capri-Sun, Kraft Singles American Cheese, Bagel Bites and other food products. They claimed that the companies behind these products knowingly make and sell highly processed foods that are low in vitamins and fiber and high in salt and sugar.
Judge Mia Roberts Perez, of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, threw out the case on June 30, saying the plaintiff’s lawyers failed to provide facts showing each product negatively affected his health.
A spokesperson for the Consumer Brands Association applauded the decision, saying “America’s trusted household brands adhere to rigorous science- and risk-based safety standards established by the FDA.”
Perez acknowledged the health issues associated with the ultra-processed food industry, but said: “The law does not allow Martinez to hold liable an entire industry for these allegations.”
The suit claimed 11 major food and beverage companies were responsible for giving the plaintiff type 2 diabetes by knowingly making food high in salt and sugar
The suit claimed 11 major food and beverage companies were responsible for giving the plaintiff type 2 diabetes by knowingly making food high in salt and sugar
