At a Glance
- McDonald’s sued over McRib marketing for misleading pork rib claims.
- Four plaintiffs allege sandwich uses ground pork from lower-grade cuts.
- The suit seeks class certification for all McRib buyers in the past four years.
- Why it matters: Consumers could be entitled to damages and the case may change how fast-food brands advertise ingredients.
McDonald’s faces a federal class-action lawsuit alleging that its McRib sandwich is marketed as containing pork rib meat when it does not. The suit, filed Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Illinois, was brought by four individuals who say the sandwich is made from ground pork shoulder, heart and scalded stomach. Plaintiffs want class certification for anyone who bought a McRib in the four years before the complaint and seek damages, restitution and injunctive relief.
The Allegations
The complaint lists 16 claims, including fraudulent omission or concealment, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, breach of contract and violations of state consumer-protection laws in California, Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C. The suit argues that the McRib’s intermittent availability “creates a sense of urgency that discourages deep consumer scrutiny and deters sustained discussion or scrutiny into its actual ingredients.”
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s stated:
> “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.”
McRib Availability
The sandwich first appeared in 1981 and returns on a limited basis. In mid-November it was back in select cities, including:
- Chicago
- Miami
- Dallas
- St. Louis
- Atlanta
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
It remains unclear how long the current run will last.
Key Takeaways
- McDonald’s faces a lawsuit over alleged misrepresentation of the McRib’s pork content.
- Plaintiffs seek class certification for all McRib buyers in the past four years.
- The case could prompt stricter advertising scrutiny for fast-food ingredients.
The outcome of the suit may influence how fast-food chains market their products and protect consumers from misleading claims.
