Fast-food titan McDonald's is mounting a vigorous legal defence against a new class-action lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading the public about what goes into its iconic McRib sandwich. The suit, filed in a US federal court, claims the product's name and presentation create a false impression about its contents.
What Does the Lawsuit Allege?
The legal complaint was lodged on 23 December in the Northern District of Illinois by four individuals. It argues that despite being called the 'McRib' and having a distinctive rib-like shape, the sandwich does not contain any actual pork rib meat. The plaintiffs contend it is made from ground or restructured pork products, which can include cuts like pork shoulder, heart, and scalded stomach.
"The name 'McRib' is a deliberate sleight of hand," the lawsuit states. It further alleges that McDonald's knowingly markets the item in a deceptive manner, omitting material facts about the meat's quality and character. The suit also points to the sandwich's pricing, noting it is often among the most expensive individual items on the menu, with prices as high as $7.89 in some areas, which they say reinforces assumptions of a premium product.
McDonald's Strong Rebuttal and Transparency Claim
McDonald's has pushed back forcefully against these allegations. In an official statement, the Chicago-based corporation labelled the lawsuit's claims as inaccurate and misleading. The company emphasised its commitment to ingredient quality and transparency.
"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 statement read. "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."
The company's online ingredient description supports this, listing the McRib as containing a "seasoned boneless pork" patty with BBQ sauce, onions, and pickles, served on a bun—a description that does not specifically mention rib meat.
Historical Context and Legal Demands
The McRib has a long and quirky history in McDonald's marketing playbook. It was first introduced in 1981 in Kansas City and has since become famous for its limited-time, sporadic appearances on menus. The lawsuit suggests this very strategy of limited availability creates a sense of urgency that discourages deep consumer scrutiny and helps perpetuate misconceptions.
The plaintiffs are seeking to form a class that would include anyone in the US who purchased a McRib in the four years before the lawsuit was filed. Their demands include:
- Monetary damages and restitution.
- Injunctive relief to stop alleged deceptive advertising.
- Legal fees.
The suit lists a total of 16 causes of action, ranging from fraudulent misrepresentation and omission to breaches of consumer protection laws in several states including California, Illinois, and New York. McDonald's has stated it intends to defend itself against all these claims, reiterating its transparency regarding the McRib's composition.
