At a Glance
- McDonald’s sued for allegedly misleading consumers about McRib pork content
- Plaintiffs claim the sandwich contains ground pork parts, not rib meat
- Lawsuit filed Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Illinois
- Why it matters: Consumers may be misled about ingredients, affecting trust and potential legal outcomes
McDonald’s is facing a federal class-action lawsuit that accuses the fast-food chain of misleading consumers about the McRib sandwich’s pork content. Plaintiffs claim the product is made from ground pork parts rather than rib meat, and they seek damages and injunctive relief. The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Illinois.
The Lawsuit
The suit, filed by four individuals, alleges that McDonald’s deceives reasonable consumers who would expect a product named ‘McRib’ to contain pork rib meat. Plaintiffs argue the sandwich is built from lower-grade pork cuts such as shoulder, heart and scalded stomach, and that this misrepresentation is covered by 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.
- Fraudulent omission or concealment
- Fraudulent misrepresentation
- Negligent misrepresentation
- Fraud
- Breach of contract
- Violation of state consumer protection laws in California, Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C.
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s responded to the allegations by saying the lawsuit distorts the facts and many claims are inaccurate. The company emphasized that its McRib contains 100 % pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers and that it has always been transparent about its ingredients.
McDonald’s spokesperson statement:
> “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.”
Background
The McRib first appeared on menus in 1981 and has since returned intermittently, a pattern the lawsuit says fuels consumer confusion about its true contents. The suit also notes that the sandwich’s sporadic availability creates urgency that discourages scrutiny, further entrenching misconceptions about its rib meat content.
Key Takeaways
- McDonald’s is sued for allegedly misleading consumers about McRib pork content.
- Plaintiffs argue the sandwich uses ground pork parts, not rib meat.
- The case seeks damages, restitution and injunctive relief, and was filed Dec. 23.
The outcome of the lawsuit could shape how fast-food companies disclose ingredient details and influence consumer trust.
