Fast food chains often face scrutiny, but recent developments at Arby’s have raised eyebrows across the industry. From lawsuits over portion sizes to food safety concerns, the restaurant chain known for its roast beef sandwiches has found itself at the center of multiple controversies. Here’s what you need to know before placing your next order.
What you get versus what you see in the ads
Recent legal actions have shed light on discrepancies between Arby’s advertising and reality. A class action lawsuit filed in New York alleges that Arby’s systematically overstates the amount and quality of meat in their sandwiches. The lawsuit specifically targets popular menu items including the Classic Roast Beef, Double Roast Beef, and Beef ‘N Cheddar sandwiches.
The complaint details how promotional photographs used in advertising materials allegedly employ deceptive techniques to make sandwiches appear substantially larger than what customers receive. This disparity extends beyond simple camera angles or lighting tricks – the lawsuit claims that the actual meat content falls significantly short of what’s portrayed in marketing materials.
Customer complaints have consistently pointed out this size discrepancy issue across multiple locations. Many report receiving sandwiches that appear noticeably smaller than advertised, with some claiming the meat portions have decreased while prices remain unchanged or have increased. This pattern of complaints spans various menu items and locations nationwide.
The legal action seeks to represent anyone who purchased specific menu items from Arby’s in New York since September 2020. If successful, this lawsuit could force the chain to either increase portion sizes or adjust their advertising to more accurately reflect the actual product customers receive.
Shrinking sizes but same high prices raise concerns
Adding to the portion size controversy, another lawsuit alleges that Arby’s has quietly reduced the sizes of french fries and drinks without making corresponding price adjustments. This practice, known as “shrinkflation,” has become increasingly common in the fast food industry, but Arby’s faces particular criticism for its lack of transparency about these changes.
Customers have reported receiving noticeably smaller portions of sides and beverages while paying the same prices they were charged before the reductions. The lawsuit claims this practice violates consumer protection laws by failing to inform customers about significant changes to product quantities while maintaining premium pricing.
Industry analysts note that while restaurants often need to adjust portion sizes due to rising costs, the lack of communication about these changes can damage customer trust. The combination of reduced portions and steady prices effectively represents a hidden price increase that impacts customer value without their awareness.
These pricing practices have led to increased scrutiny of Arby’s value proposition compared to other fast food options. Reviews and customer feedback consistently mention the high cost relative to portion size as a significant factor in their dining decisions.
Food safety incidents raise red flags
Perhaps most concerning are the recent food safety incidents reported at various Arby’s locations. In one notable case, nearly 100 customers fell ill after eating at a single location, forcing the restaurant to close twice within a month. Health officials identified norovirus as the cause, highlighting serious concerns about food handling practices.
The incident required extensive intervention from health authorities, including mandatory deep cleaning procedures and employee retraining. More troubling was the revelation that the restaurant had to close multiple times, suggesting that initial corrective measures were insufficient to address the underlying issues.
Similar incidents have been reported at other locations, with dozens of customers reporting illnesses after eating at different Arby’s restaurants. Health inspections have revealed various violations, including improper food temperature control and inadequate sanitation procedures.
These cases point to potential systemic issues with food safety protocols across the chain. While individual incidents might be dismissed as isolated events, the pattern of violations and illness reports suggests more fundamental problems with training and enforcement of safety standards.
Health inspection reports reveal troubling patterns
A review of health inspection reports from various Arby’s locations has uncovered consistent violations that should concern potential customers. Multiple inspection reports document issues with basic food safety practices, including improper food storage temperatures and contaminated equipment.
Common violations include inadequate handwashing facilities, unsanitized surfaces, and problems with food storage temperatures. These basic safety measures are fundamental to preventing foodborne illness, yet inspection reports show repeated failures to maintain these standards across different locations.
Structural issues have also been documented, including leaks, condensation in walk-in coolers, and maintenance problems that could affect food safety. These physical plant problems can create conditions that promote bacterial growth and cross-contamination if not properly addressed.
The frequency of these violations suggests systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. While some locations maintain better standards than others, the pattern of violations across multiple restaurants indicates potential problems with corporate oversight and quality control.
Employee practices impact food quality and safety
Investigation into Arby’s operating practices has revealed concerning issues with employee training and compliance. Health inspections frequently cite problems with staff food handling procedures, including inadequate handwashing and improper use of hair restraints, which directly impact food safety.
Adding to these concerns, recent investigations uncovered child labor violations at multiple locations. The discovery that some franchises allowed underage employees to work outside legally permitted hours raises questions about overall compliance with safety and training requirements.
Reports indicate a lack of certified food protection managers at some locations, a critical position responsible for ensuring proper food safety protocols are followed. This absence of qualified supervision may contribute to the recurring safety violations observed during health inspections.
The combination of inadequate training, supervision issues, and labor law violations suggests broader problems with employee management that could affect food quality and safety standards across the chain.
Equipment and facility maintenance problems
Health inspection reports consistently highlight issues with equipment maintenance and facility upkeep at various Arby’s locations. Common problems include malfunctioning refrigeration units, which can compromise food safety by failing to maintain proper storage temperatures.
Inspectors have documented problems with plumbing systems, including leaks and drainage issues that could create unsanitary conditions. These maintenance issues extend to food preparation areas, where equipment cleanliness and functionality directly impact food safety.
The buildup of debris and lack of regular cleaning of kitchen equipment has been noted in multiple inspection reports. These conditions can lead to cross-contamination and potentially affect the quality and safety of food served to customers.
While some locations have implemented automated monitoring systems for equipment performance, many still struggle with basic maintenance and cleanliness standards that are essential for safe food preparation and storage.
Temperature control and food storage issues
One of the most frequent violations cited in health inspection reports involves improper food temperature control. Multiple locations have been found holding food items at unsafe temperatures, creating conditions where harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Inspectors have documented cases where ready-to-eat foods weren’t properly date-marked, making it impossible to ensure freshness and safety. This basic food safety requirement helps prevent the serving of spoiled or potentially hazardous items to customers.
Storage violations extend beyond temperature issues to include improper storage practices that could lead to cross-contamination. Reports mention food items stored directly on floors or in areas exposed to environmental contaminants.
These temperature and storage issues are particularly concerning given that many of Arby’s signature items, such as roast beef, require careful temperature control throughout storage and serving to maintain both safety and quality.
The fast food industry faces many challenges, but the specific issues documented at Arby’s merit special attention. From portion size discrepancies and pricing concerns to food safety violations and labor issues, these problems suggest the need for significant improvements in operations and oversight. As consumers become more aware of these issues, they can make more informed decisions about where to spend their dining dollars.
