Oct. 31 (UPI) — A federal judge on Friday allowed a lawsuit against McDonald’s to move forward, alleging the fast food chain misleads customers into believing its popular McRib sandwich contains actual pork rib meat.
McDonald’s had asked the court to dismiss a lawsuit in Chicago alleging consumer deception, fraud and unjust enrichment.
But U.S. District Judge April Perry ruled the lawsuit, filed by four customers in December 2025, could move forward, FOX Business reported.
First sold in 1981, the McRib features a boneless pork patty molded to resemble ribs. It is covered in barbecue sauce and served with onions and pickles.
The plaintiffs accuse McDonald’s of using the sandwich’s name and appearance to suggest that it contains rib meat, despite allegedly using cheaper portions of pork.
The lawsuit claims the McRib is made from ground pork products, including shoulder, heart, tripe and stomach, rather than meat taken from the ribs, according to KTLA.
McDonald’s has denied the allegations.
One survey submitted in the case found that 72% of respondents believed the sandwich contained pork rib meat.
Another survey found 67% considered rib meat an important factor in their decision to buy the McRib.
The ruling comes as McDonald’s brings back the McRib for another limited run.
The sandwich returned to participating restaurants Oct. 27 in locations including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
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