McDonald's McRib Is Ribless, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges

A group of McDonald’s customers, including one from California, has filed a class action lawsuit against the fast food giant on the grounds that the company's iconic McRib sandwich has no rib meat, according to court documents.

The federal lawsuit, filed late last month in the Northern District of Illinois, accuses McDonald’s of fraud and breach of contract, in addition to a long list of other things, including California violations of Civil Code and Business and Professions Code.

The lawsuit argues that the Chicago-based company’s McRib “does not contain any actual pork rib meat at all,” but rather includes "lower-grade pork products such as, inter alia, pork shoulder, heart, tripe or scalded stomach."

“Put simply: consumers have been materially misled en masse as a result of McDonald’s deceptive labeling and marketing into purchasing sandwiches that they would not otherwise have purchased, or would only have paid less for, had they known the truth,” according to the lawsuit.

“By including the word 'Rib' in the name of the McRib, as well as by going out of its way to shape the sandwich’s patty into the shape of a pork rib, McDonald’s knows or should know that consumers are so misled.”

Among the listed plaintiffs is Peter Le of Baldwin Park, who bought a McRib on Nov. 15, 2024, on the understanding that it contained pork rib meat, according to the lawsuit.

"Had Plaintiff Le known that the McRib did not contain any actual pork rib meat, he would not have purchased the McRib or would only have purchased it for a lower price," the lawsuit said.

The McDonald’s website describes the meat in the sandwich as “seasoned boneless pork.”

In a statement to NBC Chicago, McDonald’s argued that the lawsuit distorted facts and made inaccurate claims.

“Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do — that’s why we’re committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu,” the statement said, NBC Chicago reported.

“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.”

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, an order that McDonald’s desist from deceptive practices regarding the McRib, and remedies, damages and penalties.