San Francisco claims food companies are responsible for creating a 'healthcare crisis' in lawsuit

Dec. 2 Officials in San Francisco have filed a civil lawsuit against some of the nations largest food corporations, alleging that they produce ultra-processed foods that pose serious health risks and employ misleading marketing practices. The lawsuit was submitted Tuesday in the San Francisco County Superior Court.

City Attorney David Chiu, representing San Francisco, claims the companies are responsible for contributing to a healthcare crisis. Similar to the tobacco industry, they were aware their products could harm people but concealed the truth, profited enormously, and left Americans to face the consequences, Chiu stated at a news conference.

Chiu highlighted that the foods manufactured by the 10 companies named in the lawsuit are linked to cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, and other serious health conditions. He also accused these corporations of deliberately engineering and marketing ultra-processed foods that endanger public health. They transformed food into products that are unrecognizable and detrimental to the human body. Although people want to avoid ultra-processed foods, they are everywhere, Chiu added.

The lawsuit lists Kraft Heinz Co., The Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo, General Mills, and Post Holdings as defendants. Additional companies include Mondelez International, Nestle USA, ConAgra Brands, Mars Inc., and the Kellogg Co.

Chiu emphasized that the companies have profited substantially from these products and must be held accountable for the harm caused. Ultra-processed foods are defined as items containing chemical additives with minimal nutritional value and limited use beyond processing. Common examples include potato chips, breakfast cereals, soda, candies, processed meats, cheese, and boxed macaroni.

Research supports these concerns. A 2024 study found that people who consume high quantities of ultra-processed foods face a slightly increased risk of premature death. Earlier research indicated that for every 10% rise in consumption, the risk of early death grows by 14%.

Author: Sophia Brooks