Judge Allows Class Action Lawsuit Against McDonald's Over McRib Meat Claims

A federal judge in Chicago, April Perry, ruled that a proposed class action lawsuit against McDonald’s must proceed. The suit accuses the fast-food giant of misleading customers regarding the meat used in the McRib sandwich. Judge Perry rejected McDonald’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit entirely, allowing claims of consumer deception, fraud, and unjust enrichment to continue.

The ruling allows plaintiffs to argue that the McRib’s name and marketing mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing a more expensive cut of pork. The court determined it was too early to conclude that consumers could not reasonably expect the sandwich to contain rib meat, citing consumer surveys.