McDonald's move to dismiss McRib lawsuit denied

Key Points:

• A federal judge denied McDonald's request to dismiss a class-action lawsuit alleging the company misleads customers about the meat in its McRib sandwich, ruling it is premature to accept McDonald's argument that no reasonable consumer expects rib meat in the sandwich.
• The lawsuit claims McDonald's uses lower-grade pork parts such as shoulder, heart, tripe, or stomach, causing consumers to overpay due to the McRib's name, shape, marketing, and premium price suggesting rib meat.
• McDonald's denies using hearts, tripe, or stomach in the McRib and asserts it has been transparent about ingredients, calling the lawsuit meritless and a distortion of facts.
• The judge noted McDonald's website only states the sandwich contains pork but said consumers could reasonably believe the McRib contains rib meat, and ads emphasizing the rib-like shape might indicate intent to defraud, requiring further proof.
• Plaintiffs' attorney Thiago Coelho stated they will continue pursuing the case to hold McDonald's accountable for alleged deceptive marketing.