McDonald’s is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that its McRib sandwich contains no actual pork rib meat, despite its name and rib-shaped patty. The company has denied the claims and asked for the case to be dismissed, but U.S. District Judge April Perry rejected that request.
The complaint says McDonald’s has used the sandwich’s periodic returns to build anticipation among customers who may expect it to contain pork ribs. It alleges the patty is made from ground pork products, including shoulder, heart, tripe and scalded stomach.
Perry said she was not persuaded that it would be unreasonable for consumers to think the McRib contains rib meat. She also rejected the argument that customers should be expected to consult public information about the sandwich’s ingredients before buying it.
The judge noted, however, that further evidence would be needed to establish whether McDonald’s intended to mislead consumers through the patty’s rib-like shape.
McDonald’s said the sandwich does not contain heart, tripe or stomach and maintained that it has been transparent about its ingredients. The company called the lawsuit’s claims meritless and said they distort the facts.
Sources: E! News.