LAS VEGAS—In a fervent address at the Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP) Spring 2025 conference, prominent attorney Mike Papantonio rallied legal professionals nationwide to confront the ultra-processed food (UPF) industry. Papantonio, known for successful campaigns against major corporations like Big Tobacco and opioid manufacturers, labeled UPFs as “the next tobacco,” emphasizing their potential to cause widespread harm.
Papantonio urged attendees to recognize the parallels between the current UPF crisis and past public health battles. “These are not mere foods; they are chemical concoctions designed to foster addiction,” he stated, targeting an industry worth over $300 billion and still expanding. He expressed particular concern over the way these products manipulate taste, using terms like “hyper-palatable” to describe how they are engineered to be irresistibly addictive, especially for children.
Drawing on his past victories, Papantonio reminded the audience of the substantial financial recoveries achieved through litigation against tobacco companies, opioid producers, and PFAS pollution. Those battles, he highlighted, began with a few daring attorneys willing to take the leap into complex legal territory. “It’s not easy, but the opportunity for significant change is there,” he told his audience, urging them to seize the moment.
During his remarks, Papantonio brought attention to the alarming ingredients and marketing tactics used by food manufacturers. He pointed out that many UPFs are touted as “healthy” while being laden with sugars, salts, and preservatives, misleading consumers about their true nature. “The same advertisers who marketed deadly tobacco products are now selling unhealthy foods under the guise of convenience,” he said, criticizing the manipulation of health narratives.
Papantonio recognized attorney Paul Pennock for his vision in bringing UPF litigation to the forefront, expressing excitement about the potential for this issue to shape the future of mass torts. “When someone like Paul walks into my office ready to tackle something, I pay attention,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the moment.
He ended his session by calling for greater participation from legal professionals, whether through direct involvement in litigation or support through financial and strategic avenues. Papantonio reflected on how previous efforts against corporate giants began with just a handful of lawyers willing to take a stand. “Don’t miss this chance to make a difference,” he urged.
The conference showcased additional discussions on the legal aspects of UPF litigation, including emerging scientific evidence and strategies to tackle deceptive marketing practices. As the event unfolded, it became clear that a new chapter in the pursuit of consumer justice might be on the horizon, ignited by passionate advocates in a room filled with committed trial lawyers.
Mass Torts Made Perfect serves as a key gathering for plaintiff attorneys, providing invaluable networking and educational opportunities. The biannual event is known for drawing thousands of legal professionals from across the country, focusing on a variety of pressing legal issues.
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