The McRib is back on McDonald’s menus, but this year the cult-favourite sandwich is also at the centre of a legal battle. A federal judge has ruled that McDonald’s must face a class action lawsuit accusing the chain of misleading customers about what’s really inside the McRib. Here’s what the lawsuit claims, how McDonald’s has responded and what happens next.

What the Lawsuit Claims

The case was filed in December 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by four consumers from California, New York, Illinois and Washington, D.C. They argue that the McRib’s name, its rib-shaped patty, its marketing and its limited availability all lead shoppers to believe they’re buying pork rib meat, a more expensive cut.

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According to the complaint, the McRib actually contains no rib meat at all. Instead, the plaintiffs allege it’s made from restructured pork using cheaper cuts such as pork shoulder, heart, tripe and stomach. They claim customers have been overpaying as a result, and that they would not have bought the sandwich, or would have paid less, had they known.

What the Plaintiffs Want

The plaintiffs are seeking to represent anyone who bought a McRib in the four years before the case was filed. They’re asking for damages, restitution and a court order to stop what they describe as deceptive advertising practices.

How McDonald’s Has Responded

McDonald’s denies the allegations. The company says the McRib is made with 100% pork from U.S. farmers and suppliers, and it disputes the claim that the sandwich contains organ meat. In court, McDonald’s argued that reasonable customers understand the name “McRib” as a reference to the sandwich’s flavour and presentation, not a promise of a particular cut of meat.

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Judge Allows the Case to Move Forward

On Friday, 30 October, U.S. District Judge April Perry rejected McDonald’s request to dismiss the case. She said it was too early to accept the company’s argument that no reasonable consumer would expect a sandwich called the McRib to contain rib meat. The judge pointed out that McDonald’s website describes the sandwich only as containing pork, but said that doesn’t make it unreasonable for customers to assume it includes rib meat.

Judge Perry also said that advertising highlighting the patty’s rib-like shape could support a claim that McDonald’s intended to mislead customers, although the plaintiffs will need more evidence to prove it.

What the Surveys Found

The plaintiffs backed their case with consumer surveys cited in the court filing. In one, 72% of respondents (155 of 215) said they expected the McRib to contain rib meat. In another, 67% (118 of 174) said rib meat was important or very important when deciding whether to buy it.

What Happens Next

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The ruling doesn’t mean McDonald’s has done anything wrong. It simply allows the case to continue. The lawsuit now moves into the discovery phase, where the plaintiffs can seek evidence about the sandwich’s ingredients, advertising and pricing. They will also still need to ask the court to certify the case as a class action.

A Comeback With Courtroom Drama

The ruling arrived just days after the McRib made its seasonal return on 27 October at select McDonald’s restaurants in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Dallas. The sandwich has been sold on and off since 1981, and its limited runs have helped build a devoted fan base. For now, fans can still order it while the legal fight plays out.

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