McDonald’s sued over alleged misleading McRib as plaintiffs argue it doesn’t contain rib meat

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is in a McDonald’s McRib, you could be about to find out by order of the court.

The fast food chain is being hauled before a judge over its allegedly misleading marketing of the popular sandwich.

In a 45-page complaint, filed on December 23 in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, plaintiff’s Peter Le, Charles Lynch, Dorien Baker, and Derrick Wilson claim the term “McRib” and the sandwich’s rib-shaped boneless patty would lead customers to believe it contains rib meat when it doesn’t.

According to the legal papers cited by The Independent, the McRib is actually made from restructured pork, which combines shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.

The lawsuit asserts 16 legal claims that include fraud, breach of warranty and breach of contract and violations of state law and argues that McDonald’s intentionally omitted an accurate description of its ingredients in order to charge a premium for the product.

The lawsuit is seeking to represent consumers across the US who have bought a McRib in the past four years and is asking for damages, restitution and injunctive relief.

A McDonald’s spokesperson told The Independent that the McRib uses 100 percent boneless pork with BBQ sauce, onions, and pickles, and that no hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach are included.

“This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate. 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,” they said.

“Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100 percent pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the US. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”

In the US, as it is in Australia, the McRib is a limited time offer that is occasionally added to the McDonald’s menu and often costs more than many other items, selling for an average of between $US4 and $8 (A$6-$12).

When offered in Australia it retails for between $10 and $15.

After first going on sale in 1981, the McRib has developed a dedicated following, with fans flocking to stores when it is added to menus.

It has even inspired a US-based website called the McRib locator which reports recent sightings tells users the closest restaurant offering McRibs.

The McRib has fans around the world. Last year French consumers were offered their first taste of Le McRib, and in Germany and Luxembeourg it is offered year round.

Responding to the lawsuit in a post on X, one fan was quick to defend McDonald’s, writing “Come on. I love the McRib and am not shocked what it’s made out of. You should see what some of the other foods you eat are made with”.

Another wrote, “I have enjoyed McRib since it was first introduced and every time it is offered, I enjoy it again. McDonald should counter sue for DEFAMATION. McRib is a fine product. Don’t like it DONT BUY IT!”

The Nightly has approached McDonald’s for comment.