A proposed class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s over its popular McRib sandwich can move forward after a federal judge rejected the fast-food giant’s request to have the case dismissed entirely.
Four consumers filed the lawsuit in December 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, accusing McDonald’s of misleading customers about the type of pork used in the sandwich.
The plaintiffs allege that the company deliberately shapes the McRib patty with ridges to resemble a rack of pork ribs and uses the name “McRib” to give customers the impression that it contains more expensive pork rib meat.
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McDonald's Hit With Lawsuit Over McRib Sandwich
According to the lawsuit, however, the sandwich is made with lower-grade pork products, allegedly including shoulder, heart, tripe or stomach, rather than actual rib meat. The consumers claim this presentation misleads buyers and causes them to pay more than they otherwise would.
McDonald’s has pushed back against the allegations, maintaining that it uses 100% U.S.-sourced pork. The company has also stated that its McRib does not contain hearts, tripe or scalded stomach.
U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to dismiss the case in full, finding that it was too early to determine that no reasonable consumer would expect the McRib to contain rib meat.
The judge also pointed out that McDonald’s website describes the sandwich as containing pork without providing the kind of detailed explanation that would require customers to conduct extensive research before purchasing a fast-food meal.
As a result, claims involving consumer deception, fraud and unjust enrichment will be allowed to proceed. Several other claims were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs may have an opportunity to bring them again.
The ruling does not establish that McDonald’s misled customers or that the allegations about the sandwich’s ingredients are true. It simply allows the central claims in the proposed class action to continue through the legal process.
