$5 million class action lawsuit filed against Taco Bell for false advertising

01 August 2023 , 02:49

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A side-by-side comparison shows the difference between Taco Bell's advertisements and what customers actually receive

A man has filed a class action lawsuit against Taco Bell, claiming the popular American fast food chain misled him and other customers purchasing the chain's "Overstated Menu Items."

He's suing because of "unfair and deceptive trade practices" that falsely advertised the amount of several ingredients, including beef, in the chain's famous Crunchwrap Supremes, Grande Crucnwraps, Vegan Crunchwraps, Mexican Pizzas and Veggie Mexican Pizzas.

"Taco Bell materially overstates the amount of beef and/or ingredients contained in its advertisements for the Overstated Menu Items by at least double the amount," the official court case recap states.

"Taco Bell’s advertisements for the Overstated Menu Items are unfair and financially damaging to consumers as they are receiving a product that is materially lower in value than what is being promised," it continues, noting that the chain's actions "are especially concerning" given the level of inflation and how it's been impacting food and meat prices across the nation.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Taco Bell (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"Many consumers, especially lower income consumers, are struggling financially," the document reads.

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It alleges that the false advertising is drawing customers away from Taco Bell's competitors, resulting in the diversion of "millions of dollars in sales."

All such practices are in violation of the New York Deceptive Acts and Practices Act, the document states. Taco Bell is guilty of multiple infringements, it argues.

Ridgewood, New York, resident Frank Siragusa is the man behind the lawsuit.

Siragusa reportedly got fed up with the misinformation in Taco Bell's advertisement campaigns and had even ordered some of the restaurant's food himself and been disappointed.

An advertisement for a Crunchwrap shows lots of meat and veggies (Getty Images North America)

The court document details how he ordered a Mexican Pizza that contained "approximately half of the beef and bean filling that he expected."

Attached to the document are several images showcasing the lack of meat and beans in several products as well as references to many publications and YouTubers who have written or filmed reviews of Taco Bell's food and been disappointed with the products.

Siragusa wants to "end Taco Bell's unfair and materially misleading advertising" and has asked for:

• Damages to compensate anyone who bought an Overstated Menu Item
• Taco Bell to take down its ads or stop selling its Overstated Menu Items
  
• Additional relief deemed appropriate by the court

An actual Crunchwrap is nasty, according to Siragusa and other customers

Siragusa's legal action was deemed a class action because it involves more than 100 people.

The suit could also garner more than $5 million in damages and relief, which could be paid out to the masses.

A trial by jury will eventually be scheduled in the case, but as of yet, no information on that has been released by the District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which is handling the case.

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