Judge lets McRib lawsuit alleging no rib meat proceed against McDonald's

Plaintiffs claim patty is ground pork including shoulder, heart and tripe

A federal judge on Friday allowed a lawsuit against McDonald’s to move forward in which four customers allege the fast-food chain misleads buyers into believing its McRib sandwich contains actual pork rib meat.

U.S. District Judge April Perry issued the ruling after McDonald’s asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, which alleges consumer deception, fraud and unjust enrichment, FOX Business reported. The case was filed in Chicago in December 2025.

First sold in 1981, the McRib features a boneless pork patty molded to resemble ribs. The sandwich 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.

One survey submitted in the case found that 72% of respondents believed the sandwich contained pork rib meat. Another survey found that 67% considered rib meat an important factor in their decision to buy the McRib.

McDonald’s has denied the allegations.

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.