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Ex Frito-Lay employee files defamation lawsuit against PepsiCo claiming he invented ‘Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Richard Montanez claims he invented the spicy snack more than 30 years ago while he was a factory janitor at Frito-Lay.

Rob Taub

Jul 26, 2024, 4:50 PM

Updated 232 days ago

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A former Frito-Lay employee has filed a defamation lawsuit against PepsiCo claiming himself to be the inventor of “Flamin” Hot Cheetos.
Richard Montanez claims he invented the spicy snack more than 30 years ago while he was a factory janitor at Frito-Lay.
However, the company -- a subsidiary of PepsiCo -- denies that claim.
Montanez suit accuses the company of lying. He says executives gave false information to the LA Times, which published the article titled: "The man who didn't invent Flamin' Hot Cheetos."
Officials from Purchase-based PepsiCo have not yet commented on the suit.