NEW YORK – Fast-food giant Taco Bell Corp. is facing a class action lawsuit over allegations of false advertising related to the amount of beef and other ingredients in several of its menu items.
The lawsuit was filed on July 31, 2023, in New York and accused the company of misleading consumers by overstating the amount of beef in its Crunchwrap Supreme “by at least double the amount.”
Taco Bell was sued today in a false advertising class action.
Consumers allege that Taco Bell misrepresents the amount of beef in the Crunchwrap Supreme “by at least double the amount.” pic.twitter.com/a0J84dsMin
— Rob Freund (@RobertFreundLaw) July 31, 2023
The Plaintiff’s Allegations
The plaintiff, Frank Siragusa, alleges that Taco Bell’s advertisements for the Crunchwrap Supreme, Grande Crunchwrap, Vegan Crunchwrap, Mexican Pizza, and Veggie Mexican Pizza are materially misleading. The complaint includes comparisons between the advertised images of the products and the actual items received by customers, claiming a significant discrepancy in beef and other ingredients.
Concerns Amid High Inflation
According to the complaint, Taco Bell’s actions are particularly concerning given the current high inflation, food and meat prices, and the financial struggles many consumers face. The lawsuit argues that Taco Bell’s promises of large portions of food are causing customers to choose their restaurants over competitors that may advertise more fairly.
Supporting Evidence
The lawsuit cites various sources, including articles from The U.S. Sun and Mashed.com and YouTube reviews, to support the allegations. It also refers to customer complaints and online images highlighting the differences between the advertised and actual products.
Legal Remedies Sought
The complaint seeks monetary damages to compensate all individuals who purchased the overstated menu items entirely, injunctive relief requiring Taco Bell to correct its advertising or stop selling the items, and other relief deemed necessary by the court.
Implications for the Fast-Food Industry
Taco Bell’s alleged misrepresentation is said to have unfairly diverted millions of dollars in sales that would have gone to competitors. The lawsuit also claims that Taco Bell’s actions financially damage consumers, who receive a product that is materially lower in value than what is being promised.
The class action lawsuit is brought under the New York Deceptive Acts and Practices Act, N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law §§ 349 and 350. The plaintiff is seeking certification of a class consisting of all individuals who purchased the specified menu items from a Taco Bell located in New York from July 31, 2020, through the date of the final disposition of the action.
Taco Bell has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The case is likely to be closely watched by both consumers and the fast-food industry, as it raises significant questions about advertising practices and consumer protection.
The lawsuit comes when advertising transparency and product representations’ accuracy are under increasing scrutiny. The case could set a precedent for future legal actions against companies accused of misleading advertising.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case may have broader implications for the fast-food industry and could lead to increased regulation and oversight of advertising practices.
As of the time of this report, the case is pending, and further developments are expected in the coming months.
