McDonald’s to face lawsuit over McRib meat composition claims

A federal judge in Chicago has rejected McDonald’s request to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit alleging the company misled consumers regarding the ingredients in its McRib sandwich. The lawsuit, filed by four consumers in December 2025, claims that the McRib patty is intentionally shaped with ridges to resemble pork ribs, creating the false impression that the sandwich contains expensive rib meat.

Plaintiffs allege that the product actually utilizes lower-grade pork cuts, such as shoulder, heart, tripe, or stomach, leading customers to overpay for the item. In her ruling, U.S. District Judge April Perry stated it was premature to accept the company’s argument that no reasonable consumer would expect the sandwich to contain rib meat. She noted that McDonald’s website only specifies the presence of pork and that consumers should not be expected to conduct extensive research before purchasing a seven-dollar sandwich.

McDonald’s has denied the allegations, maintaining that the McRib is made from 100% pork and that the company has always been transparent about its ingredients. The company stated that the lawsuit distorts the facts and that its marketing is truthful. While the judge dismissed five other claims without prejudice, the central allegations of consumer deception, fraud, and unjust enrichment are permitted to proceed.