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Applebee’s sued over labeling of Weight Watchers items

LENEXA Kan. A customer has filed a class-action lawsuit against Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar for allegedly misrepresenting the nutrition content of items on its Weight Watchers menu, according to the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

The suit accuses the chain of engaging in unfair and deceptive business practices by advertising that the Tortilla Chicken Appetizer contains 13 grams of fat when the fat content is actually 21.4 grams, according an announcement of the action. The press release, issued by the law firm Breskin Johnson & Townsend, PLLC, also asserted that the Garlic Herb Chicken has 18 grams of fat, as opposed to the 6 grams that are advertised. It did not say how those higher counts had been determined.

The statement indicated that lead plaintiff Anne Paskett is also represented by Premier Law Group PLLC. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Applebee’s is aware of the lawsuit but has not had a chance to review it and is unable to comment, said spokesman Miles McMillin. The chain continues to feature its Weight Watchers menu, created with approval of the international weight-loss organization. Weight Watchers International representatives could not be reached for comment.

At the shareholder meetings on May 13 of parent company DineEquity Inc., formerly known as IHOP Corp., chief executive Julia Stewart said Applebee's contract with Weight Watchers would expire in December and company officials had not yet decided whether or not to continue the partnership.

Applebee’s, based here, operates or franchises about 1,990 restaurants worldwide. The brand is owned by Glendale, Calif.-based DineEquity Inc., also the parent of the IHOP family-dining chain.

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