Lawsuit filed against McDonald’s over McRib sandwich

A class action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald’s regarding their popular McRib sandwich. The lawsuit, submitted in the Northern District of Illinois on December 23, alleges that McDonald’s has been deceiving customers by claiming that the sandwich contains real pork rib meat when, in fact, it does not. Instead, the McRib is said to consist of pork shoulder, heart, and scalded stomach, which are considered lower quality pork products compared to premium rib meat.

The lawsuit argues that McDonald’s intentionally markets the McRib in a misleading manner, with the name itself designed to give the impression that the sandwich contains genuine pork rib meat. Despite its rib-like shape, the sandwich does not actually include any pork rib meat, according to the complaint. The plaintiffs claim that McDonald’s was aware that these details would be significant to consumers but chose not to disclose them.

McDonald’s describes the McRib sandwich as a “pork patty,” which is seasoned boneless pork dipped in BBQ sauce and served on a toasted homestyle bun with onions and pickles. The fast-food chain responded to the lawsuit by stating that the allegations are inaccurate and that food quality and safety are paramount in their operations. McDonald’s emphasized its commitment to using real, high-quality ingredients in its menu offerings, including the McRib, which is purportedly made from 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers.

The company clarified that it does not allow the use of pork hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach in any of its pork products, as claimed in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs seek class certification for individuals who purchased a McRib in the past four years, along with damages and restitution. Additionally, the lawsuit aims to prevent McDonald’s from engaging in further deceptive advertising practices regarding the McRib.

It is noted that McDonald’s periodically reintroduces the McRib to its menu for a limited time in select markets. Despite its popularity, the McRib is reportedly one of the more expensive items on the McDonald’s menu, as detailed in the lawsuit. This ongoing legal dispute has raised questions about the ingredients used in fast-food products and the transparency of information provided to consumers by major food chains.