Lawsuit Claims Taco Bell's Meat Isn't All Beef

Alabama law firm Beasley Allen has filed a class action lawsuit against Taco Bell that claims the chain is falsely calling its taco filling "seasoned beef" and "seasoned ground beef" when allegedly the mixture, which would be more properly called "Taco Meat Filling," only contains 36% beef. The firm is not asking for money, but is instead asking the chain to make changes to their menu to reflect the food they are serving.

What in the hell else is in there? Taco Bell's meat filling is people! No, it's mostly water and "extenders" like "wheat oats, soy lecithin, maltodrextrin, anti-dusting agent, autolyzed yeast extract, modified corn starch and sodium phosphate." Also, something called "Isolated Oat Product." Mmm, oat product.

The USDA defines beef as "flesh of cattle," which is a little biblical but seems straightforward enough. They define "Taco Meat Filling" as 40% meat, so if the lawsuit is correct, it seems like Taco Bell would have to up their beef levels to even qualify for that. The self-described "Mexican inspired" chain denies that their advertising is misleading and "[intends] to vigorously defend the suit."

Beasley Allen has sued several high profile companies in the past, including suits against Toyota after their massive recall, BP after the oil spill, and a side-effect related suit against Yaz birth control.

· When Is Beef Not Beef? Ala. Law Firm Sues Taco Bell [WTOL via Consumerist]
· Taco Bell Targeted in Class Action Lawsuit [KTNV]
Taco Bell, what are your beefy secrets? [Photo: i_hate_u / Flickr]