San Francisco sues food giants over ultra-processed products

City argues corporations profit while communities bear the cost of diseases linked to ultra-processed foods

San Francisco filed the nation’s first government lawsuit against food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on Tuesday, arguing that local governments have been shouldering the costs of treating diseases that stem from public consumption of the companies’ products.

The city’s attorney, David Chiu, sued 10 corporations that create some of the country’s most popular food and drinks, from chicken nuggets and frozen pizzas to potato chips and sugary breakfast cereals – but also foods like breads and granola bars that are marketed as “healthy”.