San Francisco has initiated a groundbreaking lawsuit against several leading U.S. food manufacturers, claiming their ultra-processed products contribute to a public health crisis. The lawsuit, filed by City Attorney David Chiu, targets ten major companies, including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, Nestle, and PepsiCo. During a press conference at City Hall, Chiu highlighted the lawsuit's aim to hold these corporations accountable for their alleged deceptive practices. He stated that the suit, filed in California Superior Court, addresses violations of California's unfair competition law and public nuisance laws. Chiu emphasized the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods, which he claims are linked to chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. "We have reached a tipping point in the scientific research about the harm of these products," he said, referencing studies that establish a clear connection between ultra-processed foods and various health issues. The lawsuit names products from companies like Mondelez, General Mills, and Mars, which include popular items such as Oreos, Cheerios, and energy drinks. Chiu criticized the food industry for creating products that are "unrecognizable and harmful to the human body," asserting that these companies have engineered a public health crisis while profiting from it. Chiu's office argues that ultra-processed foods, which make up 70% of the American food supply, are designed to stimulate cravings and encourage overconsumption. He described these products as formulations of chemically manipulated ingredients with minimal whole food content. In response to the lawsuit, the Consumer Brands Association, representing the companies, stated that food manufacturers are committed to helping Americans make healthier choices. Sarah Gallo, a senior vice president at the association, noted that there is no universally accepted definition of ultra-processed foods and criticized the classification of processed foods as unhealthy. The lawsuit seeks a court order to prevent deceptive marketing practices and requires the companies to educate consumers about the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods. It also calls for financial penalties to assist local governments in addressing healthcare costs linked to these products. Chiu pointed out that cities and counties bear the financial burden of treating diseases potentially caused by ultra-processed foods. He likened the marketing strategies of these companies to those used by the tobacco industry, citing tactics that target low-income communities and children. The lawsuit follows a trend of increasing scrutiny on ultra-processed foods. Earlier this year, a private lawsuit in Philadelphia was dismissed after a judge ruled it lacked specific details about the products and consumption timeline. As the debate over the health impacts of ultra-processed foods continues, San Francisco's legal action marks a significant step in addressing public health concerns related to these products.