By Islam El-Sakka
McDonald's must face a class-action lawsuit in the United States over its McRib sandwich after a federal judge ruled the case can proceed. The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, accuses the fast-food chain of deceiving customers by shaping the pork patty to resemble ribs despite containing no rib meat.
Lawsuit Alleges Deceptive Marketing
Plaintiffs argue that the ridged patty design leads consumers to believe the sandwich contains pork rib meat, a higher-fat, more flavorful cut. They also claim McDonald's uses lower-grade pork parts such as shoulder, heart, tripe, or stomach, causing customers to overpay for one of the menu's most expensive items.
Judge's Ruling
U.S. District Judge April Perry in Chicago dismissed some claims but said it was premature to accept McDonald's argument that no reasonable consumer could expect rib meat in a McRib. She noted the company's website describes the sandwich only as containing pork, and consumers need not research ingredients before buying a $7 sandwich. The judge also found that advertisements highlighting the rib-like shape could support an intent-to-defraud claim, though further proof is needed.
McDonald's Response
McDonald's denies the allegations, stating the McRib is made with 100 percent pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers. The company called the lawsuit a distortion of facts and said the claims are meritless. It maintains it has always been transparent about ingredients and does not use hearts, tripe, or stomach in the product.
Consumer Survey Evidence
A survey submitted by plaintiffs showed 72 percent of respondents expected rib meat in a McRib, and 67 percent said that expectation influenced their purchase decision. The judge also rejected the argument that the trademarked name settles the matter, noting that items like the McChicken and Egg McMuffin are named for their actual contents.
Attorney Thiago Coelho, representing the four plaintiffs, said his clients will continue seeking accountability for deceptive marketing.
