WHO Slams Food Giants Over 'Grim Pattern' of Litigation Delays

The World Health Organization (WHO) has accused eight major ultra-processed food companies of deliberately delaying efforts to combat obesity through litigation. These companies, including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, have been involved in a staggering 235 lawsuits between 2010 and 2025.

According to the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, these corporations are obstructing vital public health measures by suing governments that attempt to promote healthier diets. The litigation primarily challenges three types of measures: front-of-pack warning labels on food products, taxes on junk food, and restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children.

The investigation revealed that approximately 38% of lawsuits were brought by eight parent corporations: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Kellogg's, Danone, Ferrero, Xignux, and Heartland Food Products Group. The litigation has resulted in nearly 600 cumulative years of legal battles, averaging 2.5 years per case.

The WHO emphasized that many contested policies have proven effective where implemented, with countries demonstrating measurable results. However, these measures remain concentrated in upper-middle and high-income countries, reflecting inequities that litigation further exacerbates.