mcdonalds class action lawsuit: McDonald’s hit with class action lawsuit — what it’s about and how the company responded
What is the controversy surrounding the McRib?
McDonald’s has released a statement following a class-action lawsuit alleging the company misled consumers about its McRib sandwich, which allegedly “contains no pork rib meat whatsoever.”
The lawsuit, filed Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Illinois by four plaintiffs, alleges that McDonald’s “knowingly marketed the sandwich in a way that deceived reasonable customers.” The plaintiffs state that the McRib is actually made from ground parts of lower-quality pork, which includes pork shoulder, heart, and boiled stomach instead of rib cuts.
Claims Regarding Price and Misrepresentation
According to the complaint, the McRib is “among the single most expensive item” on McDonald’s menus, costing as much as $7.89 at certain locations. Pork rib meat has traditionally been considered a premium cut, with lower-grade cuts being less valuable, the lawsuit states. He also claims that:
“The name ‘McRib’ is a deliberate sleight of hand. McDonald’s deliberately, falsely and knowingly omitted various material facts regarding the quality and character of the McRib, namely that, despite its name and distinctive rib-like shape, it does not actually contain any actual pork rib meat. McDonald’s knew these facts would be important to reasonable consumers, but still chose not to disclose them.”
McDonald’s Response
In response, McDonald’s told NBC Chicago:
“This lawsuit distorts the facts, and many of the allegations are false. Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re committed to using real, quality ingredients throughout our 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 our guests can make the right choice for them.”
According to McDonald’s website, the McRib is “spicy boneless pork smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted home-style bun,” with the meat served as a hearty “pork patty.”
What legal claims are involved in the case?
The lawsuit includes 16 legal claims in California, Illinois, New York and Washington DC, including fraudulent omission or concealment, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, breach of contract and violation of state consumer protection laws.
Date and Limited Availability
Established in 1981, the McRib has returned intermittently and “creates a sense of urgency that inhibits consumer in-depth scrutiny and discourages continued discussion or scrutiny of actual ingredients, further reinforcing the longevity of consumer misconceptions regarding the sandwiches’ rib-eye content,” the lawsuit states.
In mid-November 2025, the sandwich will be available for a limited time in Chicago, Miami, Dallas, St. It’s returned to select locations in St. Louis, Atlanta, Seattle and Los Angeles, but its time on menus remains uncertain.
FAQ:
Q1. What’s the McRib case all about?
The lawsuit alleges that McDonald’s misled customers about the ingredients in its McRib sandwich. Plaintiffs claim no real pork rib meat was found.
Q2. Who filed the case?
Four people filed a class action complaint in the Northern District of Illinois. They argued that the McDonald’s promotion deceived reasonable customers.
