San Francisco Launches Legal Challenge Against Food Giants Over Ultra Processed Foods Health Costs

San Francisco has initiated landmark legal action against some of the world’s most prominent food manufacturers, targeting their role in the proliferation of ultra processed foods and the resultant health burden on communities. The city filed this lawsuit in superior court, citing the financial strains placed on public services forced to manage widespread diseases linked to these products.

The suit targets ten major corporations responsible for a broad range of processed foods, from sweetened cereals and potato crisps to ready meals and products marketed as healthy choices such as breads and granola bars. San Francisco’s legal representatives have accused these companies of engaging in unfair and deceptive practices under California law, alleging that they knowingly promoted harmful products while misleading consumers regarding their health risks.

Ultra processed foods, defined by their industrial manufacturing and inclusion of ingredients such as preservatives, flavour enhancers, artificial colours, and emulsifiers, now dominate more than seventy percent of the American food supply. Recent research connects these products to increased risks of cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. It is estimated that children in the United States derive over sixty percent of their calorie intake from ultra processed foods.

The lawsuit points to the significant public health costs borne by local governments as evidence that profit-driven motives are trumping the wellbeing of communities. It accuses the named corporations of persistent disregard for the long term health effects of their products. Among those cited in the suit are global food companies including CocaCola PepsiCo Kraft Heinz Post Holdings Mondelez International General Mills Nestlé USA Kellogg Mars and ConAgra Brands.

California recently enacted legislation providing the first statutory definition of ultra processed foods in the United States and has established restrictions on related additives within school environments. These legislative efforts, alongside San Francisco’s record in holding corporations to account for public health issues such as tobacco lead paint and opioids, underscore a wider shift towards regulation of the processed food industry.

The legal proceedings mark a rare moment of policy alignment across political divides. Although the city attorney acknowledged significant differences in health policy perspectives with federal officials, he emphasised the scientific consensus linking ultra processed foods to chronic disease and the need for accountability within the sector.