San Francisco Sues Major Food Giants

San Francisco brings about a giant lawsuit against food and beverage companies on the alleged false marketing of ultra-processed food.

San Francisco has filed a high-profile lawsuit, accusing various top food and beverage producers of deceiving users by improperly marketing ultra-processed foods. The legal action initiated by City Attorney David Chiu in San Francisco Superior Court accuses the companies of engaging in practices similar to those used by the tobacco industry to increase addiction to their products.

The case is against large food and beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Mondelez and others based on the allegation that they breached the laws against the principle of being a public nuisance plus the act of deceptive advertising in California. City authorities explain that the growth of cancer and obesity, as well as diabetes rates, is associated with the growth of HFS snack product consumption.

San Francisco is asking to be paid back and for civil penalties to offset the rising healthcare expenses and a court order to stop the companies from issuing misleading advertisements. The argument in the situation emphasizes a bigger national discussion, whereby the USDA and FDA are still attempting to define what should be considered an ultra-processed food, a realm that critics argue is still subjective.

The groups in the industry claim that the suit poses a risk to the administrative transparency. The National Association of Manufacturers claimed that legal attacks against the compliant producers of food and beverages are baseless and pose the threat of confusing the consumers. NAM Chief Legal Baroness Linda Kelly cautioned that this type of suit would destroy the availability of affordable, safe, and nutritious products to American families.

The case may be a landmark in the regulation and marketing of ultra-processed foods throughout the United States.