Class Action Lawsuit Against McDonald's Argues McRib Misled Customers

CHICAGO — A group of McDonald’s customers 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. 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 Dorien Baker of Chicago, who bought the sandwich repeatedly in December 2024 on the understanding that it contained pork rib meat.

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.