McDonald’s sued over alleged misleading McRib as plaintiffs argue it doesn’t contain rib meat
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is inside a McDonald’s McRib, you may be about to find out, thanks to a court order.
The fast food chain is facing a judge for allegedly misleadingly marketing the popular sandwich.
In the 45-page complaint filed Dec. 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, plaintiffs Peter Le, Charles Lynch, Dorien Baker and Derrick Wilson allege that the term “McRib” and the sandwich’s rib-shaped boneless patty would lead customers to believe it contains rib meat when it does not.
According to the legal documents cited IndependentThe McRib is actually made from reconstituted pork, combining shoulder, heart, tripe, and boiled stomach.
The lawsuit asserts 16 legal claims that include fraud, breach of warranty, breach of contract and violations of state law, and alleges that McDonald’s deliberately omitted an accurate description of its ingredients in order to charge a premium for the product.
The lawsuit seeks to represent consumers across the U.S. who purchased McRibs in the past four years and seeks damages, restitution, and injunctive relief.
A McDonald’s spokesperson told The Independent that the McRib uses 100 per cent boneless pork with barbecue sauce, onions and pickles, and the product does not include heart, tripe or poached stomach.
“This case distorts the facts and many of the allegations are false. Food quality and safety is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we are committed to using real, quality ingredients throughout our menu,” they said.
“Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100 percent pork from farmers and suppliers in the U.S. We have always been transparent about our ingredients so our guests can make the right choice for them.”
In the US, as in Australia, the McRib is a limited-time offering that is occasionally added to the McDonald’s menu and is often more expensive than many other items, selling for an average of US$4 to US$8 ($6-12).
When it is available in Australia, it retails for between $10 and $15.
After first becoming available in 1981, the McRib developed a dedicated following, with fans flocking to stores when added to menus.
It even inspired a US-based website called McRib finder, which reports recent sightings and notifies users of the nearest restaurant serving McRibs.
The McRib has fans around the world. The first taste of Le McRib was offered to French consumers last year, and it has been available throughout the year in Germany and Luxembourg.
Responding to the lawsuit with a post on
Another wrote: “I’ve loved the McRib since it was first introduced and I still enjoy it every time it’s offered. McDonald’s should sue for DEFAMATION. The McRib is a good product. Don’t like it, DO NOT BUY IT!”
Nightly has reached out to McDonald’s for comment.
