San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against several of the nation’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, a legal challenge that could ripple across the food supply chain, from product formulation to marketing and compliance.
The suit, filed by the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, names companies that include Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé USA, and Mondelez International. The city alleges that these companies market and sell products that are linked to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health issues, while downplaying or not fully disclosing those risks.
According to the complaint, ultra-processed foods make up a large share of the modern American diet and contribute to rising long-term health care costs. The city is seeking financial penalties and changes to how these products are marketed, particularly to children.
The case is believed to be one of the first attempts by a U.S. city to directly target food manufacturers over ultra-processed products using a public-nuisance and consumer-protection legal strategy. Similar approaches have been used in the past against tobacco companies and opioid manufacturers.
Industry groups push back
In a public response, the National Association of Manufacturers said food and beverage companies already comply with federal safety and labeling standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The group also criticized the legal theory behind the case and questioned how ultra-processed foods are defined.
Manufacturers argue that many factors contribute to chronic health conditions, including lifestyle, exercise, and overall diet, and that placing legal blame on specific products or companies oversimplifies a complex public-health issue.
For the food industry, the case adds another layer of regulatory and legal risk at a time when manufacturers are already facing pressure over nutrition labeling, sugar content, and marketing practices. Analysts say the lawsuit could also influence future policy discussions around food reformulation, consumer warnings, and restrictions on how certain products are marketed.
The companies named in the lawsuit have not yet filed formal legal responses. The case is now under review in California state court.
