San Francisco is taking a bold step against major food corporations by filing a lawsuit that targets ultra-processed foods. On December 2, 2025, the city became the first in the U.S. to officially sue manufacturers of popular snacks like Oreos, Doritos, and Cheerios. This includes big names like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé.
City Attorney David Chiu is leading this charge, claiming these companies knowingly produce unhealthy products that contribute to a public health crisis while reaping huge profits. The city’s complaint points to how these foods are crafted to trigger cravings and promote overeating.
Unprecedented Legal Action
This lawsuit is different from anything seen before. It’s the first time a government has targeted food manufacturers for their role in creating harmful foods. San Francisco is aiming to stop misleading marketing and force companies to provide clear information about health risks, especially to children. They also want compensation for healthcare costs tied to illnesses caused by these products.
Chiu compares the food industry’s tactics to those of tobacco companies. He argues that just as tobacco caused health issues, so too do these ultra-processed foods.
The Health Risks
Recent studies support these claims. A comprehensive review published in The Lancet in November 2025 found strong links between ultra-processed foods and serious health problems like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The report noted that these foods make up about 70% of what Americans eat, according to city officials. This includes items that can’t be easily made at home, like store-bought sodas and sugary snacks.
A CDC report from August 2025 revealed that Americans are getting over half their calories from these ultra-processed foods. These products not only ooze with sugars and unhealthy fats but also contain chemicals that make them hard to resist.
Racial Disparities
The lawsuit highlights a troubling trend: communities of color are disproportionately affected by unhealthy food marketing. Black and Latino children see about 70% more ads for ultra-processed foods than white children. The health impacts are also alarming. Data shows that diabetes rates among San Francisco’s Black residents were much higher than for other groups.
According to Supervisor Shamann Walton, the industry has prioritized profit over health for too long. San Francisco has begun initiatives to combat this issue, including programs aimed at diabetes prevention.
Industry Pushback
In response to the lawsuit, the food industry has defended its practices. Sarah Gallo from the Consumer Brands Association argues that the definitions of “ultra-processed” foods are unclear. She emphasized that manufacturers are making strides to create healthier options while following strict FDA guidelines.
Earlier this year, a private lawsuit over ultra-processed foods was dismissed for lack of specifics, but experts believe this government case has a stronger foundation for success.
Wider Implications
This lawsuit comes at a time when scrutiny of ultra-processed foods is escalating. Notably, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing for reforms to remove these foods from government aid programs. California has already enacted a law to phase out certain ultra-processed items from school lunches.
Health costs connected to these foods have skyrocketed. National healthcare spending jumped from 5% of GDP in 1960 to nearly 20% currently. For San Francisco alone, diabetes accounted for over $85 million in hospital bills in 2016. If successful, this lawsuit could lead to major changes in how food companies market and develop their products.
By addressing these health concerns, San Francisco aims to spur a nationwide discussion on the safety and health risks of ultra-processed foods. This case could set a precedent that reshapes food regulations and public health forever.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring more about health impacts related to diet, you can visit CDC’s report on Diet and Health for additional insights into dietary trends and their consequences.
