Taco Bell® Calls on Law Firm to Apologize for Dropped Lawsuit

Taco Bell® has launched a nationwide public relations campaign calling for an apology from the law firm that voluntarily dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the company misrepresented the beef filling in its taco and burrito products. Obney v. Taco Bell Corp., No. 11-00101 (C.D. Cal., notice of dismissal filed April 18, 2011). Additional information about the putative class action appears in Issue 379 of this Update.

The company apparently launched the campaign “to make sure consumers
know that it has not changed products, ingredients or advertising despite
what the Beasley Allen law firm has claimed.” According to a news source, the
firm said, “From the inception of this case, we stated that if Taco Bell would
make certain changes regarding disclosure and marketing of its ‘seasoned
beef’ product, the case would be dismissed.” Taco Bell® asks the attorneys,
“Would it kill you to say you’re sorry?” See Taco Bell® News Release, The Wall
Street Journal, April 19, 2011; Bloomberg Businessweek, April 20, 2011.