Some of the most infamous lawsuits blaming Big Food for health issues include:
o Pelman v. McDonald’s Corp.: In this 2003 New York class action, teenage plaintiffs and their parents claimed McDonald’s food poses hidden health dangers that make children obese. The case was dismissed.
o Barber v. McDonald’s Corp., Burger King Corp., KFC Corp. and Wendy’s International Inc.: In 2002, a 56-year-old man contended that various fast-food restaurants caused his obesity, diabetes and heart attacks. His case was also dismissed.
o Bantransfat.com v. Kraft Foods: A non-profit alleged that trans fats in Oreos endangered children. The 2003 suit was dropped when Kraft announced it would reduce or eliminate trans fats in the cookies. Other major corporations later announced plans to do the same.
