McDonald’s Faces Class Action Lawsuit Alleging the McRib Contains No Rib Meat
McDonald’s McRib is a limited-time item that drives predictable spikes in demand each time it returns to menus. The sandwich has appeared on and off since 1981 and has built a loyal following. Its name and shape have remained largely unchanged throughout its run. Pricing has fluctuated over the years, typically ranging from $3.99 to $7.99, depending on the market and timing.
Having said that, this familiarity is now under legal scrutiny. A class action lawsuit filed in federal court challenges what consumers believe they are buying when they order the McRib by raising questions that reach beyond one menu item and into how expectations are formed at the drive-thru.
The Importance of The Name
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court in Illinois, claims the McRib contains zero pork rib meat despite its name and rib-like shape. Plaintiffs argue the patty uses other pork cuts instead, including shoulder and organ meat. The legal filing claims the branding creates a specific expectation tied to premium rib cuts, which typically carry higher market value.
The argument is about assumptions. The word “rib” sets a mental picture, and the molded shape reinforces it. Together, they suggest a specific cut without explicitly stating it. The gap between suggestion and reality is the foundation of the case.
What Consumers Say They Expected
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Survey data included in the lawsuit adds weight to the claims. In one survey of 215 respondents, 72 percent said they expected the McRib to contain rib meat after viewing advertisements. In another survey, 67 percent said rib meat played an important role in their decision to buy the sandwich. If most buyers walk in expecting rib meat, the name alone may be doing more work than many realize.
McDonald’s Pushes Back
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McDonald’s has rejected the claims outright. The company claims the lawsuit distorts the facts and insists that the McRib uses 100 percent seasoned, boneless pork sourced domestically. It also states that the ingredient information has always been available through its website, mobile app, and in-store kiosks. The company denies allegations involving organ meats and maintains that transparency has never been an issue. In short, McDonald’s argues that the sandwich delivers exactly what it promises, even if that promise is more a matter of description than assumption.
Scarcity, Trust, And The Real Stakes
What makes this case interesting is the timing. The McRib thrives on anticipation; scarcity fuels demand, and demand in turn feeds loyalty. The lawsuit challenges the notion that scarcity depends on trust. Plaintiffs claim they either would have skipped the purchase or paid less if they had known rib meat was not involved.
The lawsuit seeks damages and asks the court to stop what it describes as deceptive naming practices. The outcome could ripple beyond one sandwich. Many menu items rely on suggestion rather than specificity, especially when shapes and names do the talking.