McDonald’s is facing a federal class action lawsuit over its cult‑favorite McRib sandwich, with plaintiffs alleging that the product’s name and marketing mislead customers into believing it contains actual pork rib meat. Filed on December 3, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the lawsuit accuses the fast‑food giant of deceptive advertising and demands damages and injunctive relief.
What the Lawsuit Claims
According to CBS News and TODAY, the complaint argues that the McRib’s name is a “deliberate sleight of hand.” The patty is shaped to resemble a rack of ribs but is made from restructured pork, including shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach, not rib meat. Plaintiffs say customers reasonably expect rib meat due to the product’s name and appearance, and that McDonald’s knowingly markets the sandwich in a misleading way.
The lawsuit also notes that the McRib is one of the most expensive single items on the menu, despite not containing premium cuts like spareribs or baby back ribs.
Who Filed the Lawsuit
The case was brought by four plaintiffs from California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., who are seeking class action status on behalf of McRib buyers nationwide.
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s has pushed back against the claims, stating that the lawsuit “distorts the facts.” In a statement to NBC Chicago, the company said the McRib is made with 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers, and that it has always been transparent about its ingredients.
The official description lists the McRib as “seasoned boneless pork dipped in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and pickles, served on a toasted homestyle bun.”
Context and Impact
The McRib has long been a limited‑time offering, with McDonald’s using scarcity and nostalgia to drive demand. Its return in November 2025 was met with fanfare, but the lawsuit could challenge how the company markets seasonal items going forward.
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