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Federal lawsuit claims McDonald's McRib has no pork rib meat

Photo: McDonald's

January 5, 2026

A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald's claiming the brand's popular McRib sandwich doesn't contain actual pork rib meat, according to a NBC Chicago report.

The lawsuit was filed Dec. 23, 2025, in the Northern District of Illinois by four McDonald's customers who claim they were deceived by McD's and stated "reasonably believe that a product named the 'McRib' will include at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat," according to the lawsuit. Instead, the plaintiffs claims the sandwich is constructed of lower-grade pork pieces like the shoulder, heart and scalded stomach.

Sixteen court claims were listed in the suit.

McDonald's issued the following statement to NBC Chicago on Sunday:

"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."

The plaintiffs seek class certification for those who purchased the McRib in the four years prior to the filing of the initial court complaint.

The Chicago-based burger giant last brought the McRib to market in mid-November to select markets for a limited time.