False advertising or deceptive advertising is the use of false or misleading statements in advertising. As advertising has the potential to persuade people into commercial transactions that they might otherwise avoid, many governments around the world use regulations to control false, deceptive or misleading advertising. Truth in labeling refers to essentially the same concept, that customers have the right to know what they are buying, and that all necessary information should be on the label. False advertising, in the most blatant of contexts, is illegal in most countries. However, advertisers still find ways to deceive consumers in ways that are not illegal.

An Alabama law firm has filed a class- action lawsuit against Taco Bell in federal court for false advertising. On behalf of a Taco Bell customer, the lawsuit states that the “seasoned ground beef” or “seasoned beef” in its Mexican-inspired food is not qualified to be labeled as beef. Because the mixture sold in restaurants contains binders and extenders and such ingredients as wheat oats, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, an anti-dusting agent, and modified corn starch, it does not meet the minimum standards set by the US Department of Agriculture. Attorney Dee Miles says that it actually contains less than 35 percent actual beef. The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages, just that the company becomes more honest in its advertising. Taco Bell plans to vigorously defend the suit.