A California woman has file a class-action lawsuit that says the meat filling Taco Bell uses doesn’t contain a high enough percentage of actual beef to be legally labeled “beef” according to USDA standards.
The suit alleges that Taco Bell refers to that filling as “seasoned beef” or “seasoned ground beef” in its communications.” It claims that the filling contains just 36 percent beef, and the rest is made up of extenders. Taco Bell strongly denies the allegation, calling the suit “bogus.”
Here’s what the complaint says:
During the relevant time period plaintiff was exposed in California to defendant’s advertising and labeling claims that the subject “beef” food items were filled with “seasoned ground beef” or “seasoned beef.” Based on these representations, as well as the reasonable belief that defendant would accurately and honestly describe its products, plaintiff believed the taco meat filling was seasoned beef and, in reliance thereon, purchased the food items, thereby suffering injury in fact and losing money as a result of the alleged conduct. Plaintiff wanted to purchase beef-filled food items from Taco Bell, but did not receive what she believed she was purchasing.
Apparently the plaintiff isn’t seeking money; she just wants Taco Bell to ‘fess up and fix the situation.
Taco Bell has chimed in with a Web-site statement that says in part
The lawsuit is bogus and filled with completely inaccurate facts. Our beef is 100% USDA inspected, just like the quality beef you would buy in a supermarket and prepare in your home. It then is slow-cooked and simmered with proprietary seasonings and spices to provide Taco Bell’s signature taste and texture. Our seasoned beef recipe contains 88% quality USDA-inspected beef and 12% seasonings, spices, water and other ingredients that provide taste, texture and moisture. The lawyers got their facts wrong. We take this attack on our quality very seriously and plan to take legal action against them for making false statements about our products. There is no basis in fact or reality for this suit and we will vigorously defend the quality of our products from frivolous and misleading claims such as this.
our quality very seriously and plan to take legal action against them for making false statements about our products. There is no basis in fact or reality for this suit and we will vigorously defend the quality of our products from frivolous and misleading claims such as this.
Your thoughts? Are you a fan of Taco Bell? What do you make of this law suit?
