McDonald’s is facing a class-action lawsuit filed in the US District Court in Chicago on December 23, 2025, regarding its popular McRib sandwich. The lawsuit claims that the fast-food chain has engaged in false advertising by marketing the McRib as a rib product, despite allegations that it contains no real rib meat.
The suit, initiated by plaintiffs including Peter Le from Baldwin Park, California, Charles Lynch from Poughkeepsie, New York, Darrick Wilson from Washington, DC, and Dorien Baker from Chicago, seeks federal class-action status. They aim to represent millions of McRib customers over the past four years, with specific subclasses for customers in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington.
According to CBS News, the complaint asserts that consumers are misled into believing they are consuming real pork rib meat. Instead, the lawsuit claims that the patty is a “restructured” product made from lower-quality pork cuts such as shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach. The plaintiffs argue that the sandwich’s marketing creates a deceptive impression, highlighting that its shape resembles traditional ribs but contains no actual rib meat.
The lawsuit features a notable statement asserting, “The name ‘McRib’ is a deliberate sleight of hand.” The plaintiffs contend that by incorporating the word “Rib” into the sandwich’s name, McDonald’s misleads consumers into expecting a meaningful quantity of actual rib meat, which is typically more expensive in the market.
In response to the allegations, McDonald’s denied using the ingredients mentioned in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the Chicago-headquartered company stated, “This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate.” They emphasized that the McRib is made with 100% boneless pork, seasoned and complemented with pickles, barbecue sauce, and onions.
The company maintains its commitment to food quality and safety, asserting that it sources its ingredients from reliable farmers and suppliers across the United States. “We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them,” the spokesperson added.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises critical questions about food labeling practices and consumer expectations in the fast-food industry. The outcome could have significant implications for how similar products are marketed in the future.
The McRib, which has achieved a cult-like status among fans, now finds itself at the center of a legal battle that challenges the integrity of its branding. Whether this lawsuit will lead to changes in marketing practices or product formulations remains to be seen.
