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Taco Bell Sued for False Advertising Allegation

A case alleging deceptive advertising against Taco Bell is now pending. An individual from New York filed the complaint in a federal court in Brooklyn. The plaintiff, who ordered a Mexican pizza, claimed that the fast-food restaurant business engaged in deceptive advertising by allegedly utilizing only half the beans and beef that were advertised.

TACO BELL fast food restaurant.

For misrepresenting how food is presented and what it actually looks like, Taco Bell has been the target of multiple lawsuits in recent years.

This most recent complaint is only one of many against fast-food businesses that run advertisements that inaccurately depict the actual product.

Cases against Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Arby’s have been filed by attorneys James Kelly and Anthony Russo, who are leading the campaign.

Background of Taco Bell

Glen Bell established the well-known fast-food franchise Taco Bell in Downey, California, in 1962.

Taco Bell Retail Fast Food Location.

With more than 7,000 stores throughout the world, the chain has expanded to become one of the biggest fast-food chains in the world, serving more than 2 billion people annually.

Taco Bell is renowned for its Mexican-inspired menu, which offers a variety of foods such tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos.

The chain is renowned for its creative marketing initiatives, many of which include catchy slogans and entertaining ads.

Taco Bell has been involved in some debates throughout the years.

Although the lawsuit was later withdrawn, in 2011 the restaurant was sued for using the term “beef” in its advertising.

Some consumers claimed that the chain’s beef products did not fulfill the necessary standards to be labeled “beef.”

Another case alleging deceptive advertising was brought against Taco Bell in 2023.

An individual from New York filed the case against the restaurant chain, alleging that it misrepresented the amount of beef and other components in some of its menu items, including Crunchwraps and Mexican Pizzas, in order to deceive customers.

According to the lawsuit, Taco Bell’s ads misled consumers, who were paying for more food than they actually received.

Taco Bell has refuted the accusations, saying that the caliber and quantity of their cuisine are unquestionable.

The chain has also made it clear that it intends to fight the lawsuit. The case is still pending, and its outcome is still uncertain.

The False Advertising Allegation

False advertising claims have been made against Taco Bell in a lawsuit.

A customer orders from a kiosk in a spanking brand new Taco Bell

The restaurant was accused of misleading customers by falsely advertising its Mexican Pizza, Veggie Mexican Pizza, Crunchwrap Supreme, and Beefy Crunch Burrito in a proposed class action filed on Monday in federal court in Brooklyn.

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Siragusa, the plaintiff, claimed in the lawsuit that the Mexican pizza he bought only included half the amount of beans and beef that had been stated.

He asserted that the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Crunchwrap Supreme likewise had less meat than was indicated on the packaging.

All clients who purchased the allegedly defective products are being sought after for damages.

Taco Bell has been accused of deceptive advertising previously. For deceptively misrepresenting the seasoned beef in its menu items, the business was sued in 2011.

Later, after Taco Bell altered its menu descriptions and advertising, the lawsuit was abandoned.

The recent accusations have not yet received a response from Taco Bell.

The franchise has, however, historically defended its marketing strategies by claiming that its menu items are appropriately stated and that the business is dedicated to openness and honesty in its advertising.

It is yet unclear how this lawsuit will proceed and what effect it will have on Taco Bell’s sales and reputation.

Plaintiff’s Claims

A Ridgewood, New York, resident named Frank Siragusa sued Taco Bell in the United States in July 2023.

Overhead view of busy Taco Bell restaurant in Tokyo's modern Shiodome area.

Siragusa said that Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza and Crunchwraps only had half the amount of beef and beans that was claimed on the menu, accusing the fast food restaurant of using misleading advertising.

A Mexican pizza and a Crunchwrap were ordered by Siragusa from a Taco Bell in Brooklyn, claims the lawsuit.

He alleged that the quantity of steak and beans shown on the menu was not there in the food he was served.

Siragusa claimed that Taco Bell broke consumer protection laws in New York by engaging in misleading and deceptive false advertising tactics.

In the complaint, a group of customers who bought Mexican Pizza and Crunchwrap from Taco Bell stores in New York are being represented.

For the claimed misleading advertising practices, Siragusa is requesting $5 million in damages.

Taco Bell has not yet reacted to the case, although it has previously dealt with accusations of a similar nature.

When a class-action lawsuit was brought against Taco Bell in 2011, it was claimed that the company’s beef filling did not adhere to the USDA’s definition of “ground beef.”

Taco Bell refuted the claims, and the case was finally dismissed.

Taco Bell’s Response

In response to the current false advertising case brought against them, Taco Bell has commented.

Taco Bell with diners in the window

The fast food restaurant chain has refuted all accusations and said they stand by the caliber of their fare.

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Taco Bell has also made a point of stressing their dedication to honesty and transparency in their advertising.

Taco Bell contends that the complaint is without validity, and they intend to strongly contest the allegations.

The fast food restaurant chain claims that they have always been open and honest with their customers regarding the ingredients that go into their food.

Taco Bell has also emphasized that they have worked very hard to raise the caliber of their offerings.

They no longer use artificial flavors or colors, and they also offer more vegetarian and vegan options.

The fast food restaurant chain has recently declared their dedication to using only premium ingredients in their dishes.

Taco Bell has responded to the accusations of fraudulent advertising by saying that they would keep working closely with their suppliers to make sure that the quality of their food reaches the highest standards.

The fast food restaurant franchise has also underlined their dedication to giving their clients honest and sincere information about the food they serve.

Taco Bell has generally responded to the false advertising complaint with assurance and expertise.

The fast food restaurant chain has refuted all accusations and reaffirmed its dedication to being open and truthful in their advertising.

They have also made a point of emphasizing their initiatives to raise the caliber of their cuisine and their dedication to utilizing only premium products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taco Bell is an American multinational chain of fast food restaurants.

What is the Taco Bell false advertising lawsuit?

The Taco Bell false advertising lawsuit is a legal action filed by customers who claim that the fast-food chain falsely advertised the ingredients of some of its menu items. The lawsuit alleges that some of the advertised items, such as the Crunchwrap Supreme, Vegan Crunchwrap, Grande Crunchwrap, Mexican Pizza, and Veggie Mexican Pizza, did not contain the amount of beef and other ingredients that were advertised.

Who filed the lawsuit against Taco Bell?

The lawsuit was filed by a New York man in a Brooklyn federal court on July 31, 2023. The lawsuit seeks class-action status, which means that other customers who purchased the allegedly falsely advertised items may join the lawsuit.

What are the plaintiffs seeking in the lawsuit?

The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief. The monetary damages would fully compensate all individuals who purchased an overstated menu item. The injunctive relief would require Taco Bell to provide corrected advertising and/or to stop selling the falsely advertised items.

What can customers do if they believe they purchased a falsely advertised item?

Customers who believe they purchased a falsely advertised item can join the lawsuit or file a separate lawsuit. They can also contact Taco Bell’s customer service to request a refund or other compensation.

Is it common for fast-food chains to face false advertising lawsuits?

Yes, it is not uncommon for fast-food chains to face false advertising lawsuits. Many customers rely on advertising to make purchasing decisions, and false advertising can lead to financial harm and disappointment.

The interior of the Taco Bell restaurant inside the public mall, Baneasa

Key Takeaways

  • Taco Bell is facing a lawsuit for false advertising allegations.
  • The plaintiff accused the fast-food chain of false advertising by allegedly using half the amount of beans and beef advertised.
  • Taco Bell has been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years for misrepresenting how food is advertised and what it actually looks like.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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