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McDonald’s Faces Lawsuit Over Allegations of Fake Pork Rib Meat in McRib Sandwich


McDonald’s is facing a class-action lawsuit that accuses the fast-food giant of deceiving customers regarding the meat used in its McRib sandwich.

The lawsuit, filed by four plaintiffs in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois last week, claims that the McRib “does not contain any actual pork rib meat at all,” despite its advertising. McDonald’s has responded by stating that the claims are “meritless.”

In the suit, the plaintiffs argue that “despite its name and distinctive shape, its meat patty has been deliberately crafted to resemble a rack of pork ribs.” The lawsuit asserts that the meat patties are actually made from lower-grade pork products, including pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.

McRib is seen at a McDonald's restaurant.

A McRib is seen at a McDonald’s restaurant. ( David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

MCRIB RETURNS TO MOST MCDONALD’S MENUS AS FANS CHEER AND CRITICS GROAN

The McRib, which made its return to select McDonald’s locations in November, is described by the company as “seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun.” Since its debut in 1981, the sandwich has developed a loyal following, with fans eagerly anticipating its limited-time offerings.

MCDONALD’S BRINGS BACK MONOPOLY AFTER NEARLY A DECADE WITH $1M CASH PRIZE UP FOR GRABS

The lawsuit claims that the use of the name “McRib” constitutes “a deliberate sleight of hand,” leading customers to expect “pork ‘rib’ meat,” which is known for its high fat content and rich flavor.


A sign announcing the return of the “McRib” at a McDonald’s restaurant. (Stephane Jourdain/AFP via Getty Images)

WORLD’S OLDEST MCDONALD’S QUARTER POUNDER TURNS 30 AND IS STILL ‘EERILY INTACT’

The lawsuit further states, “By including the word ‘Rib’ in the name of the sandwich, McDonald’s knowingly markets the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable consumers, who reasonably (but mistakenly) believe that a product named the ‘McRib’ will include at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat.”

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
MCD MCDONALD’S CORP. 299.86 -3.40 -1.12%

In response, McDonald’s contends that the “lawsuit distorts the facts.” The company maintains that it has “always been transparent about our ingredients.” They assert that the McRib is made with 100% seasoned boneless pork, dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce.

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A spokesperson for McDonald’s emphasized, “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. – there are no hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach used in the McRib patty as falsely alleged in this lawsuit.”


McDonald’s is facing a class-action lawsuit that accuses the fast-food giant of deceiving customers regarding the meat used in its McRib sandwich.

The lawsuit, filed by four plaintiffs in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois last week, claims that the McRib “does not contain any actual pork rib meat at all,” despite its advertising. McDonald’s has responded by stating that the claims are “meritless.”

In the suit, the plaintiffs argue that “despite its name and distinctive shape, its meat patty has been deliberately crafted to resemble a rack of pork ribs.” The lawsuit asserts that the meat patties are actually made from lower-grade pork products, including pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.

McRib is seen at a McDonald's restaurant.

A McRib is seen at a McDonald’s restaurant. ( David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

MCRIB RETURNS TO MOST MCDONALD’S MENUS AS FANS CHEER AND CRITICS GROAN

The McRib, which made its return to select McDonald’s locations in November, is described by the company as “seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun.” Since its debut in 1981, the sandwich has developed a loyal following, with fans eagerly anticipating its limited-time offerings.

MCDONALD’S BRINGS BACK MONOPOLY AFTER NEARLY A DECADE WITH $1M CASH PRIZE UP FOR GRABS

The lawsuit claims that the use of the name “McRib” constitutes “a deliberate sleight of hand,” leading customers to expect “pork ‘rib’ meat,” which is known for its high fat content and rich flavor.


A sign announcing the return of the “McRib” at a McDonald’s restaurant. (Stephane Jourdain/AFP via Getty Images)

WORLD’S OLDEST MCDONALD’S QUARTER POUNDER TURNS 30 AND IS STILL ‘EERILY INTACT’

The lawsuit further states, “By including the word ‘Rib’ in the name of the sandwich, McDonald’s knowingly markets the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable consumers, who reasonably (but mistakenly) believe that a product named the ‘McRib’ will include at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat.”

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
MCD MCDONALD’S CORP. 299.86 -3.40 -1.12%

In response, McDonald’s contends that the “lawsuit distorts the facts.” The company maintains that it has “always been transparent about our ingredients.” They assert that the McRib is made with 100% seasoned boneless pork, dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

A spokesperson for McDonald’s emphasized, “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. – there are no hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach used in the McRib patty as falsely alleged in this lawsuit.”