San Francisco Sets a Precedent: Sues 10 Major Food Giants Over Health Risks of “Ultra-Processed Foods” | WPN World People News

On December 2, 2025, San Francisco, California, filed a lawsuit against ten major food manufacturers, accusing them of knowingly marketing “ultra-processed foods” that can lead to obesity and chronic diseases. Despite being aware of these risks, the companies allegedly continued to promote such products through aggressive marketing strategies modeled after those used by the tobacco industry, resulting in harm to public health. The complaint was filed by City Attorney David Chiu.

The companies named in the lawsuit include globally recognized brands such as Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Kellogg’s. Officials stated that these corporations have long produced and widely sold a range of “convenient and enticing” ultra-processed foods—including potato chips, soft drinks, processed meats, breakfast cereals, and frozen meals—while using advertising strategies targeting children and vulnerable communities to encourage excessive consumption.

The complaint further asserts that these foods are linked to chronic illnesses such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, placing a heavy burden on the public healthcare system. San Francisco is calling on the court to order the companies to halt deceptive marketing practices and to compensate for the social costs incurred, including health and medical expenses.

If successful, this would be the world’s first class-action lawsuit brought by a local government against food companies over the health hazards of ultra-processed foods, potentially reshaping the regulatory landscape of the U.S. food industry.