Burger King is facing a class-action lawsuit from a group of vegan customers. The complaint claims the company cooked its Impossible Whopper on the same grill as beef patties.
The lawsuit, filed by Phillip Williams, accuses Burger King of misleading customers by advertising the Impossible Burger as a vegan option, despite cooking it alongside meat products.
The controversial cooking practices sparked outrage
Phillip Williams purchased an Impossible Whopper in Atlanta, Georgia. TMZ reported that Phillip Williams filed the class-action lawsuit, alleging that the chain promotes its Impossible Burgers as a vegan alternative to meat products, yet all are cooked on the same grill.
According to the lawsuit, the burger was contaminated by meat by-products from the grill.
Williams claims that Burger King did not disclose its cooking methods on the menu, which led to his vegan meal being compromised.
The lawsuit states that Burger King failed to provide a warning about cooking the Impossible Whopper on the same grill as meat products.
Williams also points out that several vegans have shared similar complaints online. Many people claim their Impossible Burgers were cooked alongside regular beef patties.
According to the lawsuit, ‘Burger King has no disclosures on its menu that would notify a consumer prior to the purchase of the Impossible Whopper that it was cooked in a manner that would result in meat by-products on the burger.’
What the lawsuit seks
Williams is seeking compensation for damages in the lawsuit. He also demands that Burger King change its cooking practices. Specifically, he wants the company to stop cooking Impossible Whoppers on grills used for meat products.
The backlash over Burger King’s vooking practices. The controversy over the Impossible Whopper’s cooking methods started in August.
Burger King’s U.S. head, Chris Finazzo, revealed that the vegan Whopper would be cooked on the same grills as meat. This statement led to backlash from customers who were upset about cross-contamination with meat.
However, Burger King defended its cooking methods, explaining that the Impossible Whopper could be cooked on a separate grill upon request. However, many vegans argue they were never informed of this option.
The practicality of cooking the impossible whopper on the same grill
Burger King maintains that cooking the Impossible Whopper on the same grill as meat is more efficient. The practice makes it easier for the chain to offer the plant-based option. Cooking on a separate grill would complicate operations.
McDonald’s has avoided offering plant-based options like the Impossible Whopper.
The company focuses on simplifying its menu to improve service speed and customer satisfaction.
For now, Burger King’s main competitors have not entered the plant-based burger market for similar logistical reasons.
Despite the controversy, many Burger King customers may not care about the grilling practices.
Flexitarians—those who reduce their meat intake—are a significant part of the plant-based burger market.
Additionally, studies show that most customers who buy plant-based burgers also consume beef burgers.
The lawsuit against Burger King highlights the growing concern among vegans about cross-contamination in fast food chains.
While some customers may not mind the grilling method, others feel misled.
For now, it remains to be seen whether Burger King will alter its cooking practices to meet customer demands.