McDonald’s is facing a class-action lawsuit over its popular McRib sandwich, which alleges the fast-food chain misled customers about the limited-time item and the type of pork meat used in it.
What are plaintiffs accusing McDonald’s of?
The lawsuit was filed Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Illinois by four plaintiffs, Peter Le, Charles Lynch, Dorien Baker and Derrick Wilson, who argued that the McRib sandwich should contain 100% pork rib meat, based on its name and representation. However, according to their findings, the sandwich does not contain any rib meat, NBC 5 Chicago and The Independent reported.
According to the complaint, the McRib sandwich actually contains ground-up portions of restructured pork, including pork shoulder, heart, tripe and scalded stomach.
Despite the plaintiff’s claims, McDonald’s website states that the McRib sandwich consists of “seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles.”
The complaint also lists 16 legal claims, including fraud, breach of warranty, breach of contract and violations of state consumer protection laws in California, New York, Illinois and Washington, D.C, per NBC 5 Chicago and The Independent.
McDonald’s speaks out amid lawsuit claims
McDonald’s refuted the suit claims and stated that the McRib sandwich contains 100% rib meat.
In a statement received by Blavity, McDonald’s USA states, “This lawsuit distorts the facts and the claims are meritless. 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. Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100% pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S. – there are no hearts, tripe or scalded stomach used in the McRib patty as falsely alleged in this lawsuit. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”
What are the plaintiffs seeking in their lawsuit against McDonald’s?
McDonald’s introduced the McRib sandwich between 1981 and 1982. In the years since, it has become one of the fast-food chain’s most beloved menu items. However, it’s only available for a short time each year in locations across the U.S. and overseas.
The plaintiffs are seeking class certification for customers who purchased a McRib in the four years preceding the court complaint, along with damages and other legal relief.
“McDonald’s deceptive omissions and misleading marketing have resulted in millions of dollars in consumer harm, warranting legal remedies including compensatory damages, restitution, and injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive advertising practices,” the suit reads, according to People.