McDonald’s Faces Class Action Lawsuit Claiming McRib Contains No Actual Rib Meat

McDonald’s is facing a federal class action lawsuit claiming it misled millions of customers by marketing the McRib as real pork rib – when in reality it contains no actual pork rib meat.

Indeed, the McRib is really just mashed up pork scraps formed into the shape of a rib, but the lawsuit claims it is this distinctive shape + the name ‘McRib’ which technically amounts to deceptive marketing, misleading “reasonable customers” into believing the sandwich contains premium rib meat.

The suit argues McDonald’s uses this branding to justify charging a premium price – up to $7.89 (or £4.49 when it was briefly available in the UK in 2024) – for a product made from lower-grade scraps, including pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and stomach.

The 45-page complaint further alleges that the “limited-time” marketing creates a sense of urgency that prevents consumers from carefully scrutinising the ingredients.

McDonald’s has denied the allegations, stating the lawsuit “distorts the facts” and that many claims are inaccurate.

The company maintains that the McRib is made with 100% real pork (um, not ribs, though) sourced from U.S. farmers.

McDonald’s also points to its website and app where ingredients have always been disclosed, describing the item as a “seasoned boneless pork patty” in a tangy BBQ sauce. No mention of ribs whatsoever (well, aside from the name of the sandwich itself).

In fact, I bet that’s the actual line of argument the McDonald’s lawyers will use in court. Maccy D’s never specifically said that it was a “rib” sandwich. They said it was a “McRib” sandwich! There’s no clearly agreed upon definition of a “McRib” and thus they’re free to put whatever the hell they want in it.

Game, set and match!

For now, the case is pending before a federal judge in Chicago. The four plaintiffs from California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., are seeking nationwide class certification for anyone who purchased a McRib in the past four years, along with damages, restitution, and injunctive relief. 

Good luck with that.

To watch a man go on an axe rampage in McDonald’s after being rejected by a girl, click HERE. Crazy scenes.