A federal judge in Chicago has allowed a class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s to move forward. The suit claims the McRib sandwich does not contain real ribs.
The plaintiff argues that the product’s name misleads customers into expecting actual rib meat. McDonald’s had sought to have the case dismissed.
The ruling means the lawsuit will proceed to further legal proceedings. No trial date has been set.
The McRib is a pork patty shaped to resemble a rack of ribs and served with barbecue sauce. It appears on menus seasonally and has a devoted following.
McDonald’s has not commented publicly on the ruling. The company is expected to defend its labeling and marketing practices in court.
The case adds to a growing list of false advertising suits targeting food companies. Similar lawsuits have challenged the naming of products like veggie burgers and vanilla ice cream.
Legal experts say the outcome could hinge on whether reasonable consumers are actually confused by the name. Courts have set varying standards for such claims.
The McRib remains available at participating locations during limited-time promotions. The lawsuit does not seek to halt sales of the sandwich.
