Overview
- Four consumers filed a 45-page complaint on December 23 in the Northern District of Illinois seeking a nationwide class for McRib purchases over the past four years.
- Plaintiffs allege the patty is restructured pork made from cuts like shoulder, heart, stomach and tripe, supported by surveys showing most respondents expected rib meat and by pricing data indicating a premium.
- McDonald’s denies the allegations, calling the suit inaccurate and stating the sandwich is made with 100% boneless pork sourced from U.S. suppliers.
- The company’s website describes the item as “seasoned boneless pork” and a “pork patty,” while the filing argues the name and rib-shaped presentation mislead reasonable consumers.
- The next steps are expected to include a motion to dismiss, a ruling on legal sufficiency and, if any claims survive, a decision on class certification that could lead to discovery.