Class action says McRib is ground lower-grade pork, not rib meat

A federal class action in Chicago alleges the McRib is made from ground pork shoulder, heart and scalded stomach and that its rib shape and name mislead buyers. Four plaintiffs filed the case on December 23, 2025, with 16 claims including fraud and state consumer protection violations. McDonald's said the claims are inaccurate and that the sandwich uses 100% U.S. pork, so the case is a reputational and legal overhang rather than a financial event so far.

• Filed December 23, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• Four plaintiffs; 16 claims including fraud, breach of contract and consumer protection laws in California, Illinois, New York and D.C.
• McDonald's response: the lawsuit distorts the facts and the sandwich is made with 100% pork from U.S. suppliers