A class action suit has been launched against Applebee's and Weight Watchers, alleging that the restaurant conspired with the weight loss organization to mislead customers about the calorie and fat content of certain menu items at the Applebee's restaurants.
Specifically, the complaint alleges that while Applebee's Weight Watchers® Menu lists the fat, calorie, and fibre content of each dish, as well as the number of Weight Watchers® "Points," testing by an independent laboratory has shown that the menu grossly misrepresents the fat and calorie content. And, many dishes actually contain up to three times the amount of fat and significantly more calories than advertised.
For example, the Cajun Lime Tilapia was advertized has having 6 grams of fat and 310 calories, whereas results from Analytical Labs of Boise Idaho showed 14.3 grams of fat and 401 calories.
The lawsuit alleges claims under Kansas consumer protection law and the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and seeks class-wide damages and injunctive relief. According to the Complaint, Weight Watchers betrayed its supporters by developing, advertising, and approving a menu that is inconsistent with that diet.
