Consumers Not Lovin’ Happy Meal Price Get OK for McDonald’s Suit

McDonald’s must face a proposed class suit alleging it deceptively “upcharges” customers for healthy drinks ordered with Happy Meals.

Floridian Emily Knowles stated a viable claim under Florida’s consumer protection laws based on alleged misleading menu board prices, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida said Feb. 9.

Her suit joins others challenging retail pricing practices in other industries. Suits in California, New York, and Illinois have survived motions to dismiss, obtained class certification, and won headline-grabbing monetary settlements.

Knowles alleged the fast-food giant advertised Happy Meals on menu boards at fixed costs, knowing that customers were ...