A class-action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald’s in the US District Court in Chicago, challenging the authenticity of its popular McRib sandwich. The suit, lodged on December 23, 2025, alleges that the fast-food chain has misled consumers by marketing the McRib as a rib product, while the patty reportedly lacks any real rib meat.
The lawsuit claims that the McRib is made from a “restructured” product comprising a mix of lower-grade pork ingredients, including pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach. The plaintiffs, identified as Peter Le from Baldwin Park, California, Charles Lynch from Poughkeepsie, New York, Darrick Wilson from Washington, DC, and Dorien Baker from Chicago, are seeking federal class-action status. They aim to represent millions of McRib customers over the past four years, with additional subclasses for buyers in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington.
According to CBS News, the suit argues that consumers have a reasonable expectation of consuming actual pork rib meat when purchasing the McRib. The legal filing describes the sandwich as misleading, asserting that despite its name and appearance, the patty does not contain any genuine rib meat.
The plaintiffs contend that the visual representation of the McRib, designed to mimic the ridges of a traditional rib rack, contributes to the deception. The lawsuit states, “The name ‘McRib’ is a deliberate sleight of hand. By including the word ‘Rib,’ McDonald’s knowingly markets the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable consumers.”
In response to the allegations, McDonald’s has categorically denied using any such ingredients as scalded stomach, hearts, or tripe in its McRib sandwich. The company maintains that the patties are made with 100% boneless pork, complemented by pickles, barbecue sauce, and onions. A spokesperson for the fast-food chain emphasized the company’s commitment to food quality and safety, stating, “This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate.”
McDonald’s also reiterated its transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, highlighting that McRib is made with pork sourced from farmers and suppliers throughout the United States. “We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients, so guests can make the right choice for them,” the spokesperson added.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it raises questions about consumer expectations and the nature of food marketing in the fast-food industry. The outcome may influence not only McDonald’s but also how other food products are marketed in the competitive landscape.
