San Francisco sues food giants over ultra-processed products
8 days ago
- #lawsuit
- #public health
- #ultra-processed foods
- San Francisco filed the first government lawsuit against food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
- The lawsuit targets 10 corporations producing popular foods, including those marketed as 'healthy'.
- UPFs contain industrial ingredients like preservatives and artificial colors, with little whole food content.
- Over 70% of the US food supply is ultra-processed, with children getting 60% of their calories from UPFs.
- A global review linked UPFs to harm in every major organ system and increased risks of diseases like cancer and diabetes.
- The lawsuit accuses companies of deceptive marketing and violating unfair competition laws.
- San Francisco seeks damages for health costs borne by cities and counties due to UPFs.
- The lawsuit aligns with some Trump administration views on UPFs, though not on other health topics.
- Defendants include major companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé.
- California has taken steps to regulate UPFs, including banning certain additives in schools.