San Francisco Sues Big Food Over Ultra-Processed Products

San Francisco filed a landmark lawsuit against some of the world’s largest food corporations on December 02, 2025, accusing them of playing a primary role in the growing public health crisis linked to ultra-processed foods. 

The lawsuit initiated by City Attorney David Chiu, targets major companies behind everyday products such as soft drinks, packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and processed meals. 

The villains named in the litigation include: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz Company, Nestlé USA, Kellogg's, Mondelez International (makers of Oreo), Post Holdings, General Mills, Mars Incorporated, and ConAgra Brands. 

City officials claim these corporations have spent decades engineering foods to be highly addictive, while aggressively marketing them – especially to children and vulnerable communities. 

According to the complaint, these products are not just convenient or affordable options, but are deliberately designed to maximize cravings and overconsumption. The city argues that this has contributed directly to rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses affecting millions of people. 

San Francisco is also accusing the companies of using deceptive marketing practices, similar to tactics once used by the tobacco industry. This includes downplaying health risks, funding research that shifts blame away from their products, and promoting the idea that personal responsibility – not the food itself – is the primary cause of diet-related disease. 

As a result, the city is seeking financial compensation to help cover the massive healthcare costs associated with these conditions. Officials are also pushing for changes in how these products are marketed and potentially regulated in the future. 

Food industry representatives have pushed back against the claims, arguing that their products meet all current safety standards and that consumers have the freedom to make their own dietary choices. They also point out that the definition of “ultra-processed food” remains debated and not clearly established in law. 

The case is still in its early stages, but it could have far-reaching consequences. If successful, it may open the door for other cities and governments to take similar legal action, potentially reshaping how the global food industry operates. 

For now, the lawsuit marks a significant shift in how public health officials are approaching the role of large food corporations – raising a broader question: to what extent is modern diet a matter of personal choice, and how much of it is influenced by design?

On Sunday, there were two Scottish Premiership matches that I needed to look out for, with Rangers hosting a slick Motherwell side and Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh derby action against Hibernian.

The Steelmen defeated the title chasers 3-2; the Jambos beat the Hibees 2-1. Meaning, Hearts still top the table and 3 points ahead of Celtic, who remain in second place. 

And we are in the final four games of the season.

British Store Cupboard Classics

If you’re in the UK right now, check out the Ice Cream Project at The Village in London by Anya Hindmarch – it’s a celebration of cult food brands transformed into ice-creams and sorbets. 

Hand-made in small batches in Devon and available in 500ml tubs (£10) and by the scoop (£3.50), the flavors are inspired by some of the most well-known UK food brands. 

Try a scoop of Heinz Beanz, a rich, sweet flavored ice cream brimming with protein or delve into a tub of Heinz Mayonnaise Original, a surprising rich and creamy ice cream with the zestiness of lemon and tang of vinegar. Or Kikkoman Soy Sauce, a piquant toasted sesame ice cream laced with umami-rich naturally brewed soy sauce. Or Heinz Tomato Ketchup, a delicious combination of sweet, salty and tangy flavors. Or Kellogg’s Coco Pops, a delightful milky chocolate ice cream interspersed with the crunch of chocolate-flavored toasted rice. Or Polo, a refreshing mint sorbet laced with tiny pieces of smashed Polo.

“Making ‘everyday things in an extraordinary way’ has always been a passion of mine and is the reason why I love to play with iconic brands”, said Hindmarch: 

“The Ice Cream Project sets out to challenge perceptions, working with the most sophisticated ingredients and recipes in an artful way”. 

Store employee Hannah Wearne describes the Project, which runs until August 28, as offering a new twist on "British store cupboard classics". And it's proving a hit. 

"We sold out of six weeks' worth of ice cream in four days, so we've been really, really popular... We've got our own regulars which is really lovely", she said. 

You can purchase these frozen desserts at The Village on Pont Street in London as well as other Anya Hindmarch gifts and accessories. 

An update: Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has tested negative for drugs, the government announced. Marin agreed to take the test on Friday – at her own expense – to allay concerns about her wild partying. 

[For background info, please read my post “Finland's Sanna Marin Fights For Her Right To Party” published Sunday]. 

And on Twitter and TikTok, women in Finland and even Denmark are posting dance videos in support of Marin, tagging their post with #SolidaritywithSanna.

Cereals into Beers

Kellogg’s are embracing zero-waste policies.

The American food giant has commissioned a British craft beer brewery, Seven Bro7hers to produce beers using rejected Rice Krispies and Coco Pops, thereby avoiding waste. 

Of course, these beers will have the taste of the iconic Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals. 

The idea is twofold: Unusual and fun beers are made, while a recycling system is created for cereal that has been rejected by quality control because it is overcooked, too dark in colour, et cetera. 

Ale lovers are likely to prefer the beer made from Rice Krispies (Cast Off Pale Ale). And Coco Pops are used to replace malted barley and wheat, providing stout with a chocolate zing (Sling It Out Stout). These are relatively light beers with an alcohol content of not more than 5.5 percent. 

These two flavors join an India Pale Ale dubbed “Throw Away IPA”, which is made using Kellogg’s famous cornflakes and was launched in the UK last November. 

[Fun facts: The Salford-based Seven Bro7hers Brewery in Manchester, UK, was launched in 2014 by Keith McAvoy and his six brothers. Not to be outdone, his four sisters started their own craft gin business, Four Sis4ers three years later. So, seven beer-brewing brothers and four gin-distilling sisters, who together make the largest family of direct siblings in the alcohol industry].

The third of seven pre-season friendlies saw Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to the US of A to play against his former side Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund in Notre Dame, Indiana on Friday.

A so-so game. The result was Liverpool 2 and Borussia Dortmund 3. The Reds' goals came from Harry Wilson and Rhian Brewster in each half. 

Poor attendance though. Only 40,361 filled up the 77,000-capacity Notre Dame Stadium.

BTW, the LFC Women are also on the tour alongside the men's team:

Next stop, Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts: the Reds’ effective home away from home.