McDonald's lawsuit claims McRib sandwich marketing misleads consumers: Reports
FILE - McDonald's McRib sandwich. (Credit: McDonald's)
McDonald’s is being sued over their McRib sandwich because the plaintiffs claimed it does not contain any actual pork rib meat, according to multiple reports.
The fast food restaurant describes its seasonal sandwich as being made of "seasoned boneless pork" which is dipped in a BBQ-style sauce and topped with slivered onions and pickles.
McDonald’s responded to the lawsuit saying it distorted the facts and that "many of the claims are inaccurate," according to a USA Today report.
What they're saying:
"We’re committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu," McDonald’s told USA Today. "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 guests can make the right choice for them."
McDonald’s McRib lawsuit
Dig deeper:
The complaint was filed on Dec. 23, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, according to People magazine.
There are four plaintiffs in the lawsuit who claim McDonald’s markets its McRib sandwich as containing pork rib meat. It also argued that the sandwich’s name, rib-shaped patty and pricing were deceiving consumers, leading them to believe they are buying a "premium pork rib product."
The filing cited the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Daily Pork Report which states pork rib meat is considered a premium product and is priced higher than other cuts of pork meat, People reported.
The class-action lawsuit is seeking damages, restitution and injunctive relief to prevent "continued deceptive marketing."
The backstory:
The McRib sandwich was introduced to the masses in 1981 and got pulled from menus in 1985 due to poor sales.
It made its comeback in 1989 before going on its "farewell tour" between 2005 to 2007.
It made its second comeback in 2020 and then another in 2024 in certain regions and only for a limited time.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from reporting by People magazine, USA Today and Newsweek. This story was reported from San Jose.