Home / Health / SF Sues Food Giants Over 'Addictive' Ultra-Processed Foods
SF Sues Food Giants Over 'Addictive' Ultra-Processed Foods
3 Dec
Summary
- San Francisco sued Kraft, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola for alleged harm from ultra-processed foods.
- The lawsuit claims companies used tactics similar to tobacco to addict consumers.
- The city seeks penalties and a ban on deceptive marketing practices.
San Francisco has initiated legal action against major food manufacturers, including Kraft, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, accuses these companies of knowingly causing harm to California residents through the sale of ultra-processed foods. City Attorney David Chiu stated the companies engineered a public health crisis for profit.
The legal complaint alleges that the food companies employed deceptive marketing strategies and product designs intended to foster consumer addiction, mirroring tactics historically used by the tobacco industry. These actions are claimed to violate California's laws concerning public nuisance and deceptive marketing. The lawsuit highlights rising rates of obesity, cancer, and diabetes, linking them to the proliferation of these foods.
San Francisco is seeking financial restitution and civil penalties to cover healthcare expenses, alongside a court injunction to prohibit deceptive marketing and mandate changes in company practices. This significant lawsuit represents the first instance of a municipality taking legal action against food corporations for allegedly marketing addictive and harmful ultra-processed products.
