Ultra-processed food companies face legal pushback over health rules

The world’s biggest ultra-processed food companies have repeatedly taken governments to court over policies aimed at reducing unhealthy diets, according to a global investigation published this week. The reporting says the legal fights have become a tool for slowing or blocking health regulation.

The investigation found 235 lawsuits filed against governments in five countries since 2010. It said the cases were brought as officials tried to introduce measures such as warning labels, marketing limits and other steps designed to cut consumption of heavily processed foods.

The Guardian reported that ultra-processed food now accounts for as much as half of the average diet in some countries, including the UK, the US and Australia. The publication also said the category has been linked to harm across major organ systems.

The findings come as governments in several countries continue to weigh tighter rules on food products high in additives, sugar, salt and fat. The report places the legal disputes in the wider debate over how far states can go in reshaping diets through regulation.