Think outside the bun.
These four simple words tell us to believe in Taco Bell products—to opt for something tasty and innovative as opposed to the conventional American fast-food burger at McDonald's or Burger King. Ordering Taco Bell is ordering spicy, crunchy, cheesy and grilled food without putting a dent in your wallet. What more can satisfy your late night cravings than a couple of tacos stuffed with Taco Bell's original, zesty beef?
Many college students seem to have no issues with Taco Bell's ""meat,"" as they claim Taco Bell rings true to what they serve up. Ninety-nine-cent tacos aren't too shabby for a college student's budget, and most importantly they allow for a quick bite to eat on the go. Putting aside all taste concerns, Taco Bell's meat is at the forefront of interrogation for a Montgomery law firm and consumers across the nation.
Many Americans and college students aren't necessarily aware of what they are actually consuming at the restaurant. Yes, Taco Bell might hit all the right spots when your taste buds are tingling, but are you really getting what you pay for? The hot debate continues to spiral out of control, as numerous allegations continue to surface regarding the corporation's meat tactics.
According to ABC news, a lawsuit was filed late January by Montgomery law firm Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis and Miles regarding the meat. Attorneys are correct in stating that Taco Bell's falsified ads are technically illegal when selling to a customer. To be considered beef, the product must contain at least 40 percent of actual meat product, according to Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. All other ingredients are then susceptible to change according to the provider. And as a result, it is blatantly fraudulent to sell a product that does not hold true to its name.
Azcentral.com claims that Taco Bell uses a mere 38 percent of the actual ""beef filling,"" while other ingredients remain batting ""fillers"" that boost the product's general mass production. This, in turn, is what amounts to customers' stupefied reactions concerning the fast food chain's low prices. After all, not many people think about what is actually in the beef they are consuming.
The president of Taco Bell, Bill Creed, claims that all allegations made by the Montgomery law firm are inaccurate, as their facts are simply misguided. Creed defends his corporation's name by stating that all meat is USDA approved and Taco Bell solely adds ingredients that amount for its great taste. According to azcentral.com, when Taco Bell addressed the issue of their 38 percent meat mark, spokeswomen Ashley Sioson stated ""…the only information available is that provided in our statement and on our website.""
But that's just the argument right there. We all know the meat tastes great, but once gaining some insight on its so-called ""fillers,"",will we still feel the same? Dee Miles, an attorney rep for the case, is right to argue that it is immoral for Taco Bell to claim that they are selling actual beef. Because the corporation does not fulfill the 40 percent beef standard, all claims it makes about its beef product are false. Attorneys say that by law, corporations must call it by its true product, which is, in this case, ""taco beef filling,"" or anything of the like. Is it righteously correct for customers to believe that what they are getting is meat, as Taco Bell claims they are selling?
The answer is no. What Taco Bell should consider doing is changing their advertising approach, keeping customers informed of what they are receiving in exchange for their dollar. Consumers undeniably enjoy paying little to nothing for these products. For certain, if you ask any random Taco Bell-goer how they feel about the meat, they will predictably say that it tastes great and have never had an issue with it before. In fact, take any college student, inform him or her on the meat debate, and chances are they still won't foster an abominable opinion on the fast-food chain. Americans are generally aware that they are not reaping top-dollar quality when pulling up to a drive thru anyhow. Chances are it is going to be a win-win on both sides, so why not go ahead and change up some slogans, for legality's sake?
Casey Ayala is a freshman intending to major in journalism. Please send all feedback to pinion@dailycardinal.com.
