In February, one woman filed a lawsuit against P.F. Chang's over the cost of the items on its gluten-free menu. In her claim, Anna Marie Phillips says that the extra charge on celiac-friendly items "violates the Americans with Disabilities Act" by strong-arming those who aren't able to eat gluten to pay more for their meals. 

For reference, the pan-Asian chain charges $1 extra for the gluten-free alternatives to the restaurant's regular dishes. Phillips's the lawsuit argues that this price hike is discriminatory toward customers with celiac disease. And, according to Celiac.com, more than 3,000 diners have been affected by the surcharge in the last four years. 

Of course, P.F. Chang's swiftly responded, announcing that the unequal pricing is simply because of economics. A spokesperson explained to Eater that the company charges more for gluten-free dishes "due to the higher costs of speciality, gluten-free ingredients." The company rep also noted that, in order for the food to considered certified as gluten-free, it has to be prepped in a separate area with separate utensils. 

Now the latest news in the case is that a federal judge in California has denied P.F. Chang's motion to dismiss the class-action lawsuit. Legal Newsline reports that the judge had originally dismissed the case, but allowed Phillips to amend it and then continue. He also commented on his ruling, saying,  "The ultimate question is whether P.F. Chang's, in providing gluten-free meals, is providing different products or whether the price differential with regular meals is a pretext for discrimination against those with celiac disease. Accepting plaintiff's allegations as true, she has stated a plausible claim for relief."

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