McDonald’s faces lawsuit for alleged fraud in McRib ingredients

nald’s is facing a class action lawsuit regarding the ingredients used in their popular McRib sandwich. Four plaintiffs, Peter Le, Charles Lynch, Dorien Baker, and Derrick Wilson, filed a 45-page complaint in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 23, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that McDonald’s is deceiving its customers by selling a product labeled as a “McRib” that does not actually contain any real rib meat.

The controversy revolves around the composition of the patty, which is said to be “restructured” rather than made from traditional rib cuts. Despite its appearance resembling a rack of ribs with bone-like ridges, the lawsuit asserts that the meat is a mixture of lower-grade pork parts like shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach, rather than premium rib meat as expected by consumers.

The complaint includes various claims such as fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of consumer protection laws. The plaintiffs argue that McDonald’s promotes the McRib as a limited-time offering to divert attention from the actual ingredients used. They also highlight that despite potentially being made from cheaper “byproducts,” the McRib is often priced higher than other menu items, like the Big Mac.

In response to the allegations of using inferior meat products, McDonald’s has refuted the claims. A spokesperson stated that the lawsuit contains inaccuracies and misrepresents the facts. The company emphasizes its commitment to using real, high-quality ingredients in all menu items, including the McRib. According to McDonald’s, the sandwich is made exclusively from 100% pork sourced from American farmers and suppliers, with transparency about the ingredients provided to help customers make informed choices.

McDonald’s maintains that the McRib consists of boneless pork combined with barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles, dismissing the notion of including organ meats in the sandwich. Despite this defense, the plaintiffs seek class certification to represent millions of McRib purchasers over the past four years, particularly focusing on regions like California, New York, and Illinois. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for McDonald’s and its iconic menu item, the McRib.