McDonald's Must Face McRib Deceptive Marketing Class Action, US Judge Rules

A federal judge on Friday rejected McDonald's bid to dismiss a proposed class action accusing the company of defrauding consumers about the contents of its McRib sandwich. U.S. District Judge April Perry in Chicago ruled it premature to accept McDonald's argument that no reasonable consumer could expect the McRib to contain rib meat. Plaintiffs allege the chain intentionally shaped patties with ridges to resemble pork ribs while using lower-grade pork products including shoulder, heart, tripe or stomach, causing consumers to overpay for one of its most expensive menu items. Perry said McDonald's website describes the sandwich only as containing pork, and that reasonable consumers need not conduct research before buying a $7 fast-food sandwich. She added that ads highlighting the meat's rib-like shape could support a claim of intent to defraud, though further proof is needed. Some claims were dismissed. McDonald's, which has sold the McRib periodically since 1981, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.