McDonald’s Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over McRib Ingredients

McDonald’s is currently embroiled in a class-action lawsuit concerning claims that its popular McRib sandwich does not contain any actual rib meat. The lawsuit was filed on December 23, 2023, in the U.S. District Court in Chicago. Plaintiffs allege that the McRib is primarily made from restructured pork derived from various parts of the pig, including the shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach, rather than actual ribs.

The McRib first appeared in the U.S. in 1981 and has experienced intermittent availability on menus across several countries. In Canada, the sandwich was last offered in 2014 but made a limited-time return in January 2024. In the United States, the sandwich is typically available during specific promotional periods, with advertisements heralding its return each time.

The plaintiffs, identified as Peter Le from Baldwin Park, California, Charles Lynch of Poughkeepsie, New York, Dorien Baker from Chicago, and Darrick Wilson of Washington, D.C., are seeking federal class certification to represent millions of McRib purchasers over the past four years. They also aim to establish state-specific subclasses in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.

The lawsuit claims that the name “McRib” misleads consumers into believing that the sandwich contains a substantial amount of actual pork rib meat, which is often valued at a premium in the market. “The name ‘McRib’ is a deliberate sleight of hand,” the lawsuit states, asserting that consumers are led to believe they are purchasing a product that includes real rib meat.

Among the legal claims presented in the lawsuit are accusations of fraud, breach of warranty, contract violations, and infringements of state consumer protection laws.

In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for McDonald’s issued a statement to The Independent, asserting that the lawsuit distorts the facts and contains numerous inaccuracies. “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,” the spokesperson stated. They emphasized that the McRib is made with 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers, highlighting the company’s commitment to transparency regarding its ingredients.

As the case unfolds, the implications for McDonald’s brand image and consumer trust could be significant, particularly given the sandwich’s storied history and the loyalty it has garnered over the decades. The outcome of this legal action may also influence how fast-food companies present their products and the claims they make regarding their ingredients.