Awhile back we posted about some testing done by a group of local news affiliates that showed that the actual amount of fat (and calories) in certain “healthy” menu items from a variety of restaurants was different than what was listed on the menu.

Now it seems that the inevitable lawsuits have begun, (though we know of no direct connection between these particular test results and the lawsuits.)

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer says that a lawsuit filed earlier this month in King County Superior Court claims that Applebee’s Weight Watchers menu has two to three times the amount of fat advertised.

“Applebee’s made certain representations … and independent lab tests showed that the representations they made were way off,” says Jason Epstein, an attorney with Premier Law Group.

This isn’t the only lawsuit to be filed about the issue. There’s another one in Kansas. Applebee’s parent company has responded to that one, telling the Washington Business Journal that the lawsuit is without merit.

According to the lab tests reported by WXYZ in Detroit, Applebee’s Cajun Lime Tilapia was supposed to contain 6 grams of fat, but really had 14.3 grams of fat. Applebee’s Garlic Herb Chicken also was advertised at 6 grams of fat, but really had 18. If you’d like to take a look at the results, click here. (PDF)

The P-I says that the Washington lawsuit is seeking class action status.

Suit accuses Applebee’s of understating calorie counts [Seattle P-I] (Thanks, Rob!)

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