At a Glance
- A class-action suit claims the McRib contains no rib meat
- Plaintiffs say McDonald’s uses lower-grade pork cuts like shoulder, heart, stomach
- The $7.89 sandwich’s name is called a “deliberate sleight of hand”
- Why it matters: If certified, anyone who bought a McRib in the past four years could join the suit
A December 23 complaint filed in Illinois federal court accuses McDonald’s of duping McRib fans by selling a rib-shaped sandwich that allegedly contains zero rib meat.
What’s in the McRib?
The suit says internal cuts-pork shoulder, heart and scalded stomach-are ground into the patty, not traditional rib meat. Plaintiffs argue that rib meat is viewed as a “premium” cut, yet the McRib is “among the most expensive individual” items, reaching $7.89 in some stores.
Company website lists the item as “seasoned boneless pork” and calls the meat a “pork patty.”
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s told News Of Los Angeles:
> “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.”
Legal Claims
Sixteen separate counts are lodged, including:
- Fraudulent misrepresentation
- Fraudulent omission
- Breach of contract
- Consumer-protection violations in California, Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C.
Limited-Time Strategy
Since its 1981 debut, the McRib has returned sporadically. The suit claims the on-again, off-again schedule “discourages deep consumer scrutiny” and prolongs confusion over its contents.
| Region | McRib Status |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Available now |
| Miami | Available now |
| Dallas | Available now |
| St. Louis | Available now |
| Atlanta | Available now |
| Seattle | Available now |
| Los Angeles | Available now |
Who Can Join?
Plaintiffs seek class certification covering anyone who purchased a McRib in the four years before the December 23 filing. They want damages, restitution and a court order barring the alleged deceptive ads.
Key Takeaways
- The suit targets the McRib’s name and shape, claiming they imply rib meat that isn’t there
- McDonald’s insists it uses “100% pork” and has been transparent
- If the class is certified, potential damages could reach back to 2019 purchases
- The sandwich is again available for a limited, but unspecified, period
The case continues while McDonald’s keeps the seasonal favorite on select menus nationwide.
