Brands such as Lunchables maker Kraft Heinz, General Mills, PepsiCo, and Nestle are accused of using deceptive tactics|Mike Mozart|CC BY 2.0
San Francisco escalated pressure on major food makers on Tuesday by suing 11 leading companies for allegedly creating and marketing harmful ultraprocessed foods.
City Attorney David Chiu accused brands such as Lunchables maker Kraft Heinz, General Mills, PepsiCo, and Nestle of using deceptive tactics that contributed to poor diets, rising obesity, and higher healthcare costs.
Standing beside boxes of Lunchables and other popular products, Chiu compared the companies’ strategies to the tobacco industry, arguing, “Addictiveness is a feature not a bug.”
The lawsuit seeks to halt misleading marketing, require health-mitigation steps, and impose civil penalties.
Food stocks fell about 1.2% after the filing. Industry groups pushed back, saying processing improves safety, affordability, and access.