A federal class-action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald’s, alleging the fast-food giant misled customers by promoting its iconic McRib sandwich in a way that suggests it contains genuine pork rib meat. The plaintiffs argue that this implication is inaccurate and deceptive.
Details of the Lawsuit Filing
The complaint was submitted on December 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Four individuals brought the case forward, asserting that ordinary consumers would reasonably assume a product called the “McRib” includes at least some real rib meat. According to the lawsuit, this expectation is not met.
Claims About the McRib’s Ingredients
The plaintiffs allege the McRib is not made from pork ribs at all, but rather from ground pork derived from lower-grade cuts, including pork shoulder, heart, and scalded stomach. These assertions contrast with consumer expectations formed by the sandwich’s name and marketing.
McDonald’s publicly describes the McRib on its website as “seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun.”
Legal Allegations and Consumer Protection Issues
The lawsuit lists 16 separate claims, including fraudulent omission and concealment, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, fraud, breach of contract, and violations of consumer protection statutes. These alleged violations span multiple jurisdictions, including California, Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C.
McDonald’s Response to the Accusations
In a statement provided to NBC Chicago, McDonald’s rejected the claims, saying the lawsuit misrepresents facts and contains inaccuracies.
The company emphasized that food quality and safety are central to its operations and stated that the McRib is made with 100% pork sourced from U.S. farmers and suppliers. McDonald’s also said it has consistently been transparent about its ingredients to allow customers to make informed choices.
The McRib’s History and Limited-Time Strategy
First introduced in 1981, the McRib has appeared on menus intermittently over the decades. The lawsuit argues that this limited-time availability contributes to consumer confusion about the sandwich’s actual composition.
According to the filing, the product’s sporadic return creates urgency that discourages customers from closely examining its ingredients, reinforcing misconceptions about its rib meat content.
What the Plaintiffs Are Seeking
The plaintiffs are requesting class-action certification for anyone who purchased a McRib during the four years preceding the lawsuit. They are also seeking monetary damages, restitution, and injunctive relief aimed at stopping what they describe as deceptive advertising practices.
Recent McRib Return to Menus
In mid-November, the McRib reappeared in select U.S. markets, including Chicago, Miami, Dallas, St. Louis, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles. As in previous years, the sandwich is being offered for a limited time, though the exact end date of its availability has not been announced.
The McRib lawsuit highlights ongoing debates around food marketing transparency and consumer expectations.
While McDonald’s maintains that its advertising is accurate and its ingredients are clearly disclosed, the plaintiffs argue that the product’s name and limited-time promotion mislead customers about what they are actually eating.
As the case moves forward, it could have broader implications for how fast-food companies market and label their products.
FAQs
What is the McRib lawsuit about?
The lawsuit claims McDonald’s misled consumers by implying the McRib contains real pork rib meat when it allegedly does not.
When and where was the lawsuit filed?
It was filed on December 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
What outcome are the plaintiffs seeking?
They are seeking class-action status, damages, restitution, and court orders to prevent future deceptive advertising.
Source: DanKaminisky
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