LOS ANGELES (CN) - The nutrition information on the Weight Watchers Menu at Applebee's is "false and grossly misrepresents the actual fat and calorie content" of each dish, a class action claims in Federal Court.
The popular restaurant chain adopted the purported healthy menu options as part of a sweeping trend in healthier eating option to help fight the nation's growing obesity epidemic, the lawsuit claims.
The Weight Watchers Menu at Applebee's lists the fat, calorie and fiber content of each dish, along with the number of Weight Watchers "Points," which is determined by the former numbers.
But health-conscious Applebee's diners claim the numbers lie.
"For example, although the menu advertises the 'Cajun Lime Tilapia' as containing 6 grams of fat and 310 calories," the lawsuit states, "this dish actually contains over twice as much fat (14.5 grams) and 25 percent more calories (401) than advertised."
Plaintiffs claim the actual results are based on a 2008 independent lab test. They claim this practice of exaggeration violates consumer law and constitutes "a fraud perpetrated on the American public."
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