Introduction to the Lawsuit
A federal class-action lawsuit accused McDonald’s of misleading consumers by marketing its popular McRib sandwich as if it consists of actual pork rib meat – when the plaintiffs alleged it doesn’t contain any.
The lawsuit, which was filed Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Illinois, was brought by four individuals who claimed the Chicago-based fast food giant deceives reasonable consumers who would "reasonably believe that a product named the ‘McRib’ will include at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat."
The Composition of the McRib
However, the plaintiffs alleged the sandwich is actually constructed using ground-up portions of lower-grade pork products such as pork shoulder, heart and scalded stomach.
According to the McDonald’s website, the McRib consists of "seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun."
Claims Listed in the Suit
A total of 16 court claims were listed in the suit including fraudulent omission or concealment, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, breach of contract and the violation of state consumer protection laws in California, Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C.
Response from McDonald’s
"This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate. 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. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”
History of the McRib
The McRib’s history dates back decades, having first been introduced onto menus in 1981. In the years since, it has returned on a limited-basis, which the lawsuit stated compounded "consumer confusion surrounding the true contents" of the item.
"This cycle of sporadic availability creates a sense of urgency that discourages deep consumer scrutiny and deters sustained discussion or scrutiny into its actual ingredients, which further bolsters the longevity of consumer misconceptions regarding the sandwiches’ rib meat content," the suit read, in part.
Demands of the Plaintiffs
The plaintiffs are seeking class certification for anyone who purchased a McRib in the four years prior to the filing of the initial court complaint, damages for class members, restitution and injunctive relief “to prevent further deceptive advertising practices,” according to the suit.
In mid-November, the McRib returned to select parts of the country, including Chicago, Miami, Dallas, St. Louis, Atlanta, Seattle and Los Angeles. As usual, it’s only available for a limited time, though it’s unclear how long the sandwich will stay on menus.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against McDonald’s over the composition of the McRib highlights the importance of transparency in food labeling and advertising. Consumers have the right to know what they are eating, and companies have a responsibility to provide accurate information about their products. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have implications for the food industry as a whole, and may lead to changes in the way companies market and label their products.
FAQs
- Q: What is the McRib made of?
- A: According to McDonald’s, the McRib consists of "seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun." However, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that it is made from ground-up portions of lower-grade pork products.
- Q: Why is the McRib only available for a limited time?
- A: The limited availability of the McRib is a marketing strategy used by McDonald’s to create a sense of urgency and encourage sales.
- Q: What are the plaintiffs seeking in the lawsuit?
- A: The plaintiffs are seeking class certification, damages, restitution, and injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive advertising practices.
- Q: How long has the McRib been available?
- A: The McRib was first introduced onto menus in 1981 and has returned on a limited-basis over the years.
