A federal judge in Chicago let core claims in the McRib deception case move forward against McDonald's. On Oct. 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge April Perry rejected McDonald's request to dismiss the proposed class action in full, as Law Commentary explains in its October 31 report. The McRib is McDonald's boneless pork sandwich formed to look like a rack of ribs.
The case is Le et al. v. McDonald's Corp., No. 1:25-cv-15609 in federal court in Illinois. Kyle's Investigation reports in its October 31 coverage that four consumers filed it on Dec. 23, 2025.
Official resource:
- Read the official notice from Kylesinvestigation — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
Table of Contents
- What buyers say misled them
- Why the judge kept the case alive
- How McDonald's responds
- Can you file for money now?
What buyers say misled them
Plaintiffs focus on the name, shape, and advertising together. They allege the word McRib plus a boneless patty molded to resemble ribs leads buyers to expect pork rib meat. They also allege buyers paid a premium price because of that expectation. The complaint claims the patty instead uses restructured, lower-grade pork.
That allegedly includes shoulder, heart, tripe, and stomach, rather than rib meat. The issue is the gap between expected rib meat and the meat actually used. Plaintiffs backed the claim with small consumer surveys. Kyle's Investigation reports that 72% of 215 respondents expected rib meat, while 67% of 174 respondents called rib meat important to buying. Those results do not prove deception, but they support letting the case continue.
Why the judge kept the case alive
Perry let consumer-deception, fraud, and unjust-enrichment claims move forward. She found it premature to accept McDonald's argument that no reasonable consumer could expect rib meat from the name, shape, and ads. Reuters, via the LA Post, describes that reasoning in its October 30 report. That decision is about plausibility, not proof.
The court asks whether ordinary buyers could read the marketing the way plaintiffs describe. If yes, the claim survives dismissal even when another reading is possible. Perry also dismissed five other claims without prejudice. That outcome allows plaintiffs to revise and refile those claims. It narrows the case for now without ending it.
How McDonald's responds
McDonald's disputes the organ-meat allegations. It says the McRib uses 100% pork from American farmers and suppliers. That defense challenges what the patty contains, not whether shoppers cared about rib meat. The company also argued the branding could not reasonably promise rib meat.
The court rejected that argument at this early stage. More evidence will test both sides during discovery. For readers, the split matters. Ingredient sourcing and consumer impression are separate questions. McDonald's may win one while still facing the other.
Can you file for money now?
No. There is no settlement, claim form, or payout. The class is uncertified, and the ruling decides only that claims may proceed.
The case now heads toward discovery, where both sides exchange evidence. Readers who bought a McRib and want to stay ready can take simple steps: Discovery often takes months and may narrow or end claims. A future certified class would define who counts and what proof is needed.
- Keep receipts, app orders, or card statements showing McRib purchases.
- Save the restaurant location and date when possible.
- Follow the case for class certification, settlement, or dismissal.
- Avoid sites asking for payment or bank logins to join a claim list.