(LAKE FOREST, CA) April 28, 2008 – Del Taco fans who love to intensify their favorite food experience with a blast of hot sauce will have yet another fiery option available beginning April 28, when Del Inferno makes its debut. Del Inferno, which captures its heat from the ancho chili pepper, is Del Taco’s first new hot sauce in 15 years.



According to research performed by Certified Laboratories, an independent lab in Plainview, NY, Del Inferno is almost three times hotter than any of the sauces offered by Del Taco’s nearest competitors. This is according to the Scoville scale, which is a measure of the hotness, or piquancy, of a chili pepper.



“There’s no doubt about it, Del Inferno will set your scalp ablaze,” said Mimi Somerman, chief marketing officer at Del Taco. “A little Del Inferno goes a long way and we’re certainly meeting the needs of our spice-loving customers looking for a bigger, bold taste.”



To put Del Inferno to the test, the company is offering a free case of the new hot sauce to fire stations in the communities where the company operates. *



“We want to share this big bold flavor with those who face real heat every day,” added Somerman.



Del Taco now offers four different kinds of packaged sauces – mild, Del Scorcho and Del Inferno. The fourth? Ketchup, of course!



Founded in 1964, Del Taco, the Lake Forest, California-based company operates or franchisees more than 500 restaurants in 16 states. Del Taco offers a full range of made-to-order Mexican items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and American favorites including cooked-to-order burgers, fries and shakes. Del Taco uses fresh ingredients including hand-made salsa, fresh produce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, chicken grilled every hour and lard-free beans made from scratch. Additional information is available at www.deltaco.com.



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*To request Del Inferno hot sauce, firefighters are encouraged to email publicrelations@deltaco.com and include their station contact and mailing information.