Vermont AG Files Petition Against Kraft Heinz for Ultra-Processed Food Claims
Vermont AG served multiple CIDs and filed a petition against Kraft Heinz over ultra-processed food claims.
Why it matters: Legal and regulatory teams in the food sector face growing enforcement risks concerning marketing and labeling claims. This case underscores the need for thorough compliance and transparency with ultra-processed food regulations.
- On May 21, 2025, Vermont Attorney General issued the first civil investigative demand (CID) to Kraft Heinz regarding its ultra-processed food practices.
- A second CID followed on January 26, 2026, seeking detailed information on Kraft Heinz's ties with research centers, marketing firms, and R&D operations.
- On July 22, 2026, Vermont AG filed a petition asking a court to compel Kraft Heinz to provide complete and accurate responses within 30 days.
- This investigation follows a similar lawsuit filed by San Francisco City Attorney against food companies over ultra-processed product claims.
On May 21, 2025, the Vermont Attorney General (AG) served Kraft Heinz with a civil investigative demand (CID), a legal tool that requires companies to supply information as part of an investigation. The CID sought documents and details related to Kraft Heinz’s research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of ultra-processed foods in Vermont.
Vermont issued a second CID on January 26, 2026, demanding more comprehensive disclosure about Kraft Heinz’s connections with research centers, marketing agencies, and its internal research and development (R&D) structure. These demands aim to clarify whether Kraft Heinz's marketing and labeling practices comply with consumer protection laws.
After more than a year under investigation, the Vermont AG alleges that Kraft Heinz provided responses that were incomplete, inconsistent, and occasionally misleading. This led the AG to file a petition on July 22, 2026, requesting the Vermont Superior Court to compel Kraft Heinz to produce complete and accurate information within 30 days. The petition emphasizes the company's nondisclosure as obstructing the legal inquiry.
This enforcement action is part of a broader regulatory trend targeting the marketing claims of ultra-processed foods. For example, San Francisco’s City Attorney filed a lawsuit earlier in 2025 against multiple major food companies alleging misleading claims around similar products. These cases highlight heightened scrutiny of labeling and health claims in the food industry, which legal and compliance teams must closely monitor.
More details on the Vermont case can be found in a National Law Review article and the Vermont Attorney General’s press release.
By the numbers:
- May 21, 2025 — First CID issued to Kraft Heinz in Vermont investigation
- January 26, 2026 — Second CID demanding more marketing and research documentation
- July 22, 2026 — Petition filed to compel Kraft Heinz’s full compliance within 30 days
Yes, but: Kraft Heinz disputes allegations of incomplete responses but has not publicly detailed its cooperation extent with Vermont authorities.
What's next: The Vermont Superior Court will review the petition and may hold hearings to determine whether to order Kraft Heinz to comply fully.