When Is Beef Really Beef at Taco Bell?

A class action lawsuit was filed against franchisor Taco Bell in the state of California claiming that the meat served in its restaurants is not "beef."

According to the filing, Taco Bell's 'meat product' actually contains less than 35% beef with the rest being "fillers and extenders."  The meat mixture "does not meet the minimum requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be labeled as "beef," according to the legal complaint.

The lawsuit on behalf of Taco Bell customer and California resident Amanda Obney does not seek monetary damages, but asks the court to order Taco Bell to be honest in its advertising.  FoxNews.com

Taco Bell's spokesman defends the franchisor by saying, "Taco Bell prides itself on serving high quality Mexican inspired food with great value." 

Full disclosure has been a sore subject in the franchising industry for decades.  Should consumers be considered a 'special class' and receive something from a franchisor that franchisees have been seeking for years?