What is San Francisco suing Kraft and Mondelez over?

San Francisco is suing Kraft, Mondelez, and other ultra-processed food makers for allegedly knowing they were sickening residents with addictive products.

What tactics do the food companies allegedly use, according to San Francisco?

The lawsuit claims these companies used tactics similar to the tobacco industry to design and market products intended to addict consumers.

What does San Francisco want from the food companies?

The city is seeking restitution, civil penalties, and a court order to stop deceptive marketing and require changes in their practices.

Home / Health / SF Sues Food Giants Over 'Addictive' Ultra-Processed Foods

SF Sues Food Giants Over 'Addictive' Ultra-Processed Foods

3 Dec, 2025

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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.

SF Sues Food Giants Over 'Addictive' Ultra-Processed Foods

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.