FOIA Request to California Department of Public Health regarding contracts and communications related to food litigation on January 9, 2026.
A request under the California Public Records Act was submitted by Golden State Today to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on January 9, 2026. The request seeks access to various records related to contracts and communications concerning food litigation.
The request specifically asks for any contracts, agreements, engagement letters, contingency fee agreements, success-fee or outcome-based payment arrangements, amendments, side agreements, invoices, payment records, or reimbursement records between CDPH and three law firms: Morgan & Morgan, P.A., DiCello Levitt LLP, and Andrus Anderson LLP.
Additionally, the request includes a demand for any emails or other written electronic communications used for official business. This encompasses text messages or messaging applications as well as meeting notes or calendar entries reflecting communications involving CDPH and the aforementioned law firms. It also covers interactions between CDPH and the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office concerning litigation or investigations involving food manufacturers or ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, it requests any relevant communications between CDPH and federal agencies on these matters.
Golden State Today emphasizes its role in gathering and reporting news to the public as part of its professional responsibilities. The organization argues that access to these public records is essential for holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. As a media professional involved in disseminating information, they have requested a fee waiver based on their eligibility.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental actions through Freedom of Information laws. More information about this coalition can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
