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McDonald’s must face lawsuit over McRib, judge rules

NBC News • October 31, 2026 • business

Key Points:

A federal judge denied McDonald’s motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit accusing the company of misleading consumers about the McRib sandwich’s pork content by shaping patties to resemble rib meat.
Plaintiffs allege McDonald’s uses lower-grade pork parts like shoulder, heart, tripe, or stomach, causing customers to overpay for the McRib, which is marketed as containing rib meat.
Judge April Perry ruled it was premature to accept McDonald’s claim that no reasonable consumer would expect rib meat, noting that the company’s ads emphasizing the rib-like shape could imply intent to defraud.
McDonald’s denies using offal in the McRib and insists it has been transparent about ingredients, calling the lawsuit meritless, while plaintiffs vow to continue pursuing claims of deceptive marketing.
The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of fast-food advertising practices related to product representation and ingredient disclosure.

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