“Multicultural tips” handed out at a Target Corp. distribution warehouse instructing managers to note differences among Hispanic employees and that “not everyone eats tacos and burritos” is the focus of a racial discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed against the retailer.

However, Minneapolis-based Target said in a statement that the document was used only in conversations at one distribution center.

According to the suit, Robert N. Gonzalez, Bulmaro Fabian, Pedro-Garcia-Ayala v. Target Corp., filed in state court in Woodland, Calif., Target provided its distribution managers a document titled “Organization Effectiveness, Employee and Labor Relations MultiCultural Tips.”

In addition to the reference to food, the document instructed managers that:

“• Music: not everyone dances to salsa;

• Dress: not everyone wears a sombrero;

• Mexicans (lower education level, some may be undocumented);

• Cubans (Political refugees, legal status, higher educational level); and

• They may say 'OK, OK' and pretend to understand, when they do not, just to save face.”

The lawsuit, which was filed in June but publicized this week, says that the plaintiffs, all of whom were terminated by Target, were “subjected to derogatory statements on a daily basis and stereotypes. Plaintiffs were expected to work harder than their Caucasian counterparts and were not given the same overtime opportunities throughout the terms of their employment.”

The lawsuit also alleges the plaintiffs were subjected to “racial epithets and abusive language while performing their job duties from Caucasian Target managers.”

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In addition, the lawsuit alleges that Mr. Gonzalez was subjected to retaliation, including more hostile and abusive behavior, after he complained to human resources about the disparity in providing overtime.

The lawsuit accuses the company of harassment based on race; discrimination based on race; retaliation; failure to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation; and discrimination based on age.

“It is never Target's intent to offend our team members or guests and we apologize,” a Target spokesman said in a statement. “The content of the document referenced is not representative of who Target is … This document, which was used during conversations at one distribution center, was never part of any formal or companywide training. We take accountability for its contents and are truly sorry.”

The spokesman said the company is committed to diversity and inclusivity. “We never tolerate or condone discrimination in any form, and have extensive policies and procedures in place to prevent discrimination,” the spokesman said.