If you’ve been paying attention to the news the past few weeks, there has been quite the buzz about Taco Bell. A class-action lawsuit was filed against the company, claiming that they are using false advertising in selling their products as using “ground beef” or “seasoned ground beef.” The case goes on to assert that the “beef” in question is only about 35% beef, with a whole slew of other ingredients making up the rest of the meat filling.
The United States Department of Agriculture states that “ground beef can have seasonings, but no water, phosphates, extenders, or binders added.” The lawsuit believes that since Taco Bell meat includes ingredients that fall in those categories, the company should not be able to sell it as “ground beef.” Neither the firm nor the individuals involved in the lawsuit claim to be seeking monetary damages, just a desire for truth in advertising.
Greg Creed, the current President of Taco Bell, issued a statement saying the company uses 100% USDA-inspected beef. He went on to dismiss the allegations as “absolutely wrong” and encouraged people to go to the company’s website for a full list of ingredients in their products. The company has made efforts to manage the PR implications of this scenario, and they have done the right thing by issuing statements from the company President.
This week they launched a national advertising campaign refuting the claims against their products, and encouraged people to visit a revamped website with more extensive information on what is in Taco Bell beef. The campaign also includes a limited time offer to get a Crunchwrap Supreme for only $.88. The price is quite a deal and backs up the company’s claim that their beef is 88% Ground Beef, with the rest made up of seasonings designed to provide the “signature Taco Bell taste.”
It’s still too early to call who will end up triumphing in this PR battle, so we want your input! Do you believe Taco Bell is doing the right thing? What kind of impact do you foresee this having on the company? Let us know in the comments!
The United States Department of Agriculture states that “ground beef can have seasonings, but no water, phosphates, extenders, or binders added.” The lawsuit believes that since Taco Bell meat includes ingredients that fall in those categories, the company should not be able to sell it as “ground beef.” Neither the firm nor the individuals involved in the lawsuit claim to be seeking monetary damages, just a desire for truth in advertising.
Greg Creed, the current President of Taco Bell, issued a statement saying the company uses 100% USDA-inspected beef. He went on to dismiss the allegations as “absolutely wrong” and encouraged people to go to the company’s website for a full list of ingredients in their products. The company has made efforts to manage the PR implications of this scenario, and they have done the right thing by issuing statements from the company President.
This week they launched a national advertising campaign refuting the claims against their products, and encouraged people to visit a revamped website with more extensive information on what is in Taco Bell beef. The campaign also includes a limited time offer to get a Crunchwrap Supreme for only $.88. The price is quite a deal and backs up the company’s claim that their beef is 88% Ground Beef, with the rest made up of seasonings designed to provide the “signature Taco Bell taste.”
It’s still too early to call who will end up triumphing in this PR battle, so we want your input! Do you believe Taco Bell is doing the right thing? What kind of impact do you foresee this having on the company? Let us know in the comments!