PF Chang's Sued For Discrimination Because Gluten-Free Menu Items Are Pricier

PF Chang's China Bistro has been hit with a lawsuit that demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the gluten-free trend. In a class action lawsuit, plaintiff Anna Marie Phillips, along with other gluten-intolerant and Celiac-suffering patrons, are suing the restaurant for allegedly violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by requiring patrons with gluten-free dining needs to pay higher prices.

The lawsuit is seeking compensation for all diners with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance who ordered items from P.F. Chang's gluten-free menu in California during the past four years, according to Nation's Restaurant News. The restaurant has been voted the "second most allergy-friendly restaurant in America," with its 18-item gluten-free menu, and its special plates just for gluten-free diners, according to Take Part.

The lawsuit does state that, on average, gluten-free items cost $1 more than their regular-menu counterparts, even for items like PF Chang's famous lettuce wraps, which contain the same ingredients as the regular lettuce wraps.

The Daily Meal reached out to the restaurant but PF Chang's has declined to comment on the pending litigation.