Additional Coverage:
- McDonald’s responds to lawsuit claiming McRib doesn’t contain ‘any actual pork rib meat’ (themirror.com)
McRib Mystery Meat? Lawsuit Claims McDonald’s Sandwich Lacks Actual Ribs
CHICAGO, IL – The fast-food world is abuzz, and it’s not just about the return of a beloved, if enigmatic, menu item. McDonald’s is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that its iconic McRib sandwich – a seasonal sensation that sends fans into a frenzy – doesn’t actually contain, well, ribs.
Filed on December 23rd in the Northern District of Illinois, the complaint suggests that the Golden Arches has been “knowingly marketing the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable customers.” These customers, the lawsuit claims, believe that a sandwich named the “McRib” would logically include “at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat.”
The lawsuit comes as the “McRib is back!” fanfare swept across select U.S. cities, including Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, starting in mid-November. But for some, the joy of its return has been overshadowed by a meaty mystery.
Instead of premium pork rib meat, the plaintiffs allege that the McRib patty is comprised of “ground-up portions of lower-grade pork products such as, inter alia, pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.” This stark contrast, they argue, is particularly misleading given the sandwich’s name, which they call a “deliberate sleight of hand.”
McDonald’s has long capitalized on the McRib’s limited-time availability, cultivating a sense of anticipation that drives sales and even spawns unofficial “McRib Locator” websites. However, the lawsuit contends that this scarcity, combined with the name, exacerbates consumer confusion about the sandwich’s true contents.
In response to the allegations, McDonald’s issued a statement to NBC Chicago, asserting, “This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate. Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do – that’s why we’re committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu.
Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100% pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”
According to the McDonald’s website, the 520-calorie McRib is described as “seasoned boneless pork” dipped in BBQ sauce, topped with onions and pickles on a toasted bun. The ingredient list identifies the meat simply as a “McRib Pork Patty.”
The plaintiffs are seeking class certification for anyone who purchased a McRib in the four years prior to the complaint’s filing, along with “compensatory damages, restitution, and injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive advertising practices.” They also highlight that the McRib is one of the more expensive items on the McDonald’s menu, fetching up to $7.89 at some locations in December 2024.
Whether this legal battle will change the name of the McRib or simply shed more light on its mysterious ingredients remains to be seen. For now, the debate over what constitutes a “rib” sandwich continues.