San Francisco files lawsuit against food manufacturers alleging 'ultra-processed foods' contribute to health issues

On Tuesday, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to file a government lawsuit targeting some of the largest producers of ultra-processed foods. The city claims that these 10 companies were aware that their products harmed public health yet continued to promote them widely.

The lawsuit names major corporations including Kellogg, Post Holdings, General Mills, Nestl USA, Mars Incorporated, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, ConAgra Brands, and Mondelz International. It contends that Americans, cities, and states have absorbed the healthcare costs linked to conditions arising from the consumption of ultra-processed foods, estimated at over $100 billion annually.

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu stated, These companies manufactured a public health crisis by designing and marketing ultra-processed foods. They transformed basic ingredients into harmful products. He added that this lawsuit is not about consumers failing to make better choices. Surveys show people want to avoid these foods, but they are everywhere. These companies profited while endangering public health and now must be held accountable.

The listed corporations have not yet responded to requests for comment. Ultra-processed foods such as hot dogs, burgers, cookies, and chips are widely recognized as damaging to human health.

Sarah Gallo, Senior Vice President of Product Policy at the Consumer Brands Association, emphasized that American food companies are working to provide healthier options, such as increasing protein and fiber and eliminating synthetic colors. She also highlighted the lack of a scientific consensus on defining ultra-processed foods and cautioned against labeling foods as harmful based solely on processing.

However, Chiu noted that mounting scientific evidence underpins the legal action. Recent studies consistently show the link between ultra-processed foods and serious health issues. The evidence is undeniable, and we must act, he said.

Currently, more than half of the U.S. diet consists of sugary, salty, and fatty ultra-processed items, which have been connected to premature death, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Ultra-processed products often contain ingredients not commonly found in kitchens, such as preservatives and artificial sweeteners, and are chemically altered to enhance taste and encourage overeating, according to Dr. Julia Wolfson from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

While some processed options like soy milk, yogurt, oatmeal, and plant-based meats are considered healthier, many ultra-processed foods are calorie-dense and nutritionally poor. Mass marketing of these products began in the 1960s and 1970s, with production surging in the 1980s and 1990s. Studies since then have linked these foods to higher risks of dementia, depression, Parkinsons disease, strokes, and rising obesity and cancer rates in younger populations. Today, ultra-processed foods make up about 70% of the U.S. food supply.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of California in San Francisco Superior Court, accuses these companies of using tactics reminiscent of Big Tobacco, including collaboration, aggressive marketing to children, and targeting low-income and minority communities. San Francisco Director of Health Daniel Tsai stated, These products are engineered to be addictive, disproportionately harm vulnerable communities, and drive chronic illness.

The complaint cites evidence that the industry has known about the dangers for decades, referencing a 1999 meeting in Minnesota where executives from Kraft and Pillsbury warned that the marketing and engineering of ultra-processed foods had gone too far. These warnings were reportedly ignored.

The city seeks unspecified damages and demands that companies take measures to mitigate the harm caused. The lawsuit also requests restitution and civil penalties to address public health costs and assist local governments in managing the consequences of ultra-processed food consumption.

Author: Sophia Brooks