Sara Lee, Kraft Argue Wiener War In Federal Court

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By MICHAEL TARM

Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) _ America's largest hot dog makers argued about the meaning of ``100 percent pure beef'' and the merits of ketchup in a lawsuit over advertising claims stemming from their years of dog-eat-dog competition.

Attorneys for Sara Lee Corp., which makes Ball Park franks, and Kraft Foods Inc., which makes Oscar Mayer, superimposed giant hot dogs on a courtroom screen as they delivered opening remarks in a case that could clarify how far companies can go when boasting about their products.

``There's never been anything of this scope . . . in the entire history of hot dogs,'' Sara Lee's attorney, Richard Leighton, said about what the company says is Kraft's false and deceptive ad campaign that claimed Oscar Mayer wieners were the best-tasting frankfurters.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Morton Denlow, who will decide if either company broke false advertising laws, couldn't resist a note of levity as he cast his eyes at the attorneys and proclaimed, ``Let the wiener wars begin.''

The trial is expected to last about two weeks.

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