San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against 11 ultra-processed food companies, accusing them of promoting harmful products and creating a public health crisis.

San Francisco has filed the first government lawsuit in the U.S. against 11 manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Nestle. Attorney David Chiu stated that these companies have contributed to a public health crisis by marketing harmful foods. The lawsuit, filed in the San Francisco Superior Court, accuses the firms of violating California laws regarding misleading marketing and disturbing the public order, similar to actions against the tobacco industry.

The city is seeking damages for health costs and a ban on misleading marketing practices. Ultra-processed foods are associated with rising obesity and other health issues, and approximately 70% of products in U.S. supermarkets are ultra-processed. The food industry has challenged the lawsuit, arguing that there is no scientifically accepted definition for these foods.