McDonald's has been ordered to face a lawsuit over allegations that it misled consumers about the ingredients in its McRib sandwich. A federal judge in Chicago rejected the company's request to dismiss the class-action lawsuit, which claims that McDonald's shaped the patties to resemble pork ribs, misleading customers into believing they contained higher-quality rib meat.
The plaintiffs argue that the use of lower-grade pork products, such as shoulder, heart, tripe, or stomach, caused them to overpay for the $7 sandwich, one of McDonald's most expensive menu items. Judge April Perry ruled that it was premature to accept McDonald's argument that no reasonable consumer would expect the McRib to contain rib meat, noting that the company's website only describes the sandwich as containing pork.
Perry also stated that advertisements highlighting the meat's rib-like shape could support a claim of intent to defraud, though further proof was needed. McDonald's maintains that it does not use hearts, tripe, or stomach in the McRib and has always been transparent about its ingredients. The company called the lawsuit meritless.
Thiago Coelho, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said his clients will continue seeking accountability for what they describe as deceptive marketing. The case is part of a broader trend of lawsuits against fast-food chains over product depictions in ads and on menu boards.