Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
Judge lets lawsuit over McDonald's McRib meat claims proceed
A federal judge in Chicago has allowed parts of a proposed lawsuit over the McRib to proceed against McDonald's.
Four consumers say the sandwich's name, shape and advertising suggest it contains pork rib meat, though they allege it does not.
The judge rejected McDonald's request to dismiss the case in full, but dismissed five other claims without prejudice.
The consumers cite surveys in which 72% of respondents expected the McRib to contain rib meat, and 67% said rib meat mattered to their purchase decision.
The ruling does not prove McDonald's misled customers; it means some claims can now be considered in court.
McDonald's denies the allegations and says the sandwich contains 100% pork from U.S. farmers and suppliers.
The case can continue on the remaining claims, but the sources do not say when it will next be heard.
A federal judge allowed parts of a proposed class action over McDonald’s McRib meat claims to proceed.
U.S. District Judge April Perry rejected McDonald’s request to dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety.
The case’s consumer deception, fraud and unjust enrichment claims can proceed; five other claims were dismissed without prejudice.
Four consumers allege the McRib’s name, shape and marketing mislead customers into expecting rib meat.
McDonald’s denies the allegations and says the sandwich contains 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers.
- Who
- Four consumers are suing McDonald’s. U.S. District Judge April Perry ruled on the company’s dismissal request.
- What
- The judge allowed consumer deception, fraud and unjust enrichment claims to proceed. Five other claims were dismissed without prejudice.
- When
- The ruling was made Friday, October 30, 2026.
- Where
- The ruling was issued by a federal court in Chicago.
- Why
- The consumers allege that the McRib’s name, appearance and marketing mislead customers into thinking it contains rib meat.
McRib lawsuit plaintiffs
McDonald’s
Meat in the sandwich
McRib lawsuit plaintiffs
The plaintiffs allege the McRib contains no actual rib meat and includes lower-grade pork products.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s says the sandwich contains 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers and denies using heart, tripe or scalded stomach.
Customer expectations
McRib lawsuit plaintiffs
The plaintiffs say the sandwich’s name, appearance and marketing lead customers to expect rib meat.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s argues that the name does not mislead reasonable consumers and that its ingredient list identifies pork as the primary ingredient.
Four consumers filed the lawsuit alleging the McRib’s meat claims mislead customers.
Judge April Perry allowed some claims to proceed and dismissed five other claims without prejudice.
- Judge
- April Perry
- Court location
- Chicago
- Plaintiffs
- Four consumers
- Survey finding
- 72% of respondents expected the McRib to contain rib meat.
- Survey finding
- 67% considered rib meat important or very important to their purchasing decision.