Fast-food giant McDonald's is facing a significant legal challenge in the United States over the composition of its iconic McRib sandwich. A class-action lawsuit filed in late December alleges the company engages in false advertising, claiming the popular menu item contains no actual rib meat despite its name.
The Core of the Legal Complaint
The legal action was filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago on December 23, 2025. The plaintiffs argue that the McRib's name is fundamentally misleading. They state that reasonable consumers would naturally expect a sandwich called the "McRib" to contain pork rib meat, which is typically a premium product.
Instead, the lawsuit contends the sandwich is made from restructured pork consisting of parts like the animal's shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach. "The name 'McRib' is a deliberate sleight of hand," the legal documents claim, accusing McDonald's of knowingly marketing the product in a deceptive manner.
History of the McRib and the Plaintiffs Involved
McDonald's first introduced the McRib in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a cult favourite, appearing on menus intermittently as a limited-time offering in several countries, including Canada. The sandwich was available in Canada until 2014 but made a surprise, brief return in January 2024, as noted in a file photo from a Calgary McDonald's.
The lawsuit seeks federal class certification representing millions of customers who purchased the McRib over the past four years. The named plaintiffs are Peter Le of Baldwin Park, California; Charles Lynch of Poughkeepsie, New York; Dorien Baker of Chicago; and Darrick Wilson of Washington, D.C. They are also pursuing state-specific subclasses for consumers in those jurisdictions.
Legal Claims and McDonald's Response
The suit levels a total of 16 legal claims against the corporation. These include allegations of fraud, breach of warranty, contract violations, and breaches of various state consumer protection laws.
In a firm rebuttal, McDonald's has dismissed the lawsuit's allegations. A company spokesperson told The Independent, "This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate." The statement emphasized the company's commitment to quality and transparency, asserting, "Our fan-favourite McRib sandwich is made with 100% pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S."
The outcome of this case could have implications for how food products are named and marketed, highlighting ongoing consumer demand for clarity about what they are eating. The limited-time nature of the McRib's availability, often heralded by advertising campaigns, is now at the centre of a legal debate over truth in advertising.
