SF City Attorney Files First Ever Complaint Against Mega Processed Food Manufacturers

SF Attempts To Set Legal Precedent

According to the Complaint, San Francisco City Attorney, David Chiu, filed a Complaint in San Francisco Superior Court on behalf of the People of the State of California on December 2, 2025 against mega processed food manufacturers, claiming they knowingly were “designing, selling, and distributing harmful foods, relentlessly marketing to children and vulnerable adults.”

Breaking Down The Complaint

Who Are The Players?

Plaintiff the People of the State of California, (the “People”), acting by and through San

Francisco City Attorney David Chiu,

Defendants The Kraft Heinz Company, (“Kraft

Heinz”); Mondelez International, Inc. (“Mondelez”); Post Holdings, Inc. (“Post Holdings”); The

Coca-Cola Company (“Coca-Cola”); PepsiCo, Inc. (“PepsiCo”); General Mills, Inc. (“General

Mills”), Nestle USA, Inc. (“Nestle”); Kellanova; WK Kellogg Co.; Mars Incorporated (“Mars”);

ConAgra Brands, Inc. (“ConAgra”), and Does 1-50 (collectively, “Defendants”).

Why File The Complaint?

“This case is not about food that is merely “unhealthy.” This case is about food

products with hidden health harms that Defendants designed to be cheap, colorful, flavorful, and

addictive. Defendants who designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold these foods knowing they were dangerous

for human consumption.”

The Complaint consists of two Causes of Action and explains in great detail the history of processed food consumption and the tactics used by food manufactures to trick the American consumer to purchase and consume themselves to death.

FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION

Violations of the Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”)

(On Behalf of the People of the State of California)

(Bus. & Prof. Code §17200, et seq.)

SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION

Public Nuisance

(On Behalf the People of the State of California)

Violations of Civil Code §§ 3479-3480

The San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu is acting on behalf of the People of the State of California to force affirmative action in how these manufacturers create and sell their products. In other words, a statewide order no longer deceiving Defendants from what they are truly consuming along with any potential attorney fees. In addition, any further relief under applicable law or what the Court deems appropriate.

The Complaint is a reflection of the public health crisis amongst children and vulnerable adults in the city of San Francisco which alleges Defendants actions are directly linked to Type 2 Diabetes and chronic diseases in children and vulnerable adults.

The case is the first of its kind and could set precedent in the lower trial courts.