McDonald’s McRib Made With ‘Heart, Tripe and Stomach’ Instead of Ribs, Lawsuit Claims

McDonald’s is facing a proposed class action lawsuit that claims its iconic McRib sandwich is misleadingly named and marketed. Plaintiffs allege the sandwich contains no actual pork rib meat despite its name and rib-shaped appearance. The case has reignited long-running curiosity about what the McRib is really made of.

What the Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, argues that the McRib’s name, price, and presentation lead consumers to believe they are buying rib meat. According to People, the complaint claimed the patty allegedly consists of restructured pork made from parts such as heart, tripe, stomach, and shoulder rather than rib cuts. Plaintiffs say this distinction matters because rib meat is considered a premium product.

Why the Name “McRib” is Central

At the core of the case is the argument that the word “rib” creates a specific expectation. The lawsuit claims reasonable consumers associate ribs with higher-quality pork cuts that command higher prices. By pairing the name with a rib-shaped patty, plaintiffs argue McDonald’s created a misleading impression at the point of purchase.

The Role of Shape and Marketing

The McRib’s distinctive shape plays a key role in the complaint. Plaintiffs argue the molded patty resembles a rack of ribs closely enough to reinforce assumptions about its contents. The lawsuit also points to McDonald’s advertising and limited-time promotions as factors that discourage customers from scrutinizing ingredients.

What is a McRib?

In the McDonald’s website, the McRib is described as as “seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce,” topped with onions and pickles on a homestyle bun. Ingredient listings and product descriptions do not claim the sandwich contains rib meat specifically. The company has long framed the McRib as a processed pork product rather than a slab of ribs.

McDonald’s Response to the Allegations

McDonald’s has strongly denied the lawsuit’s claims. In a statement shared by NBC Chicago, the company said the allegations are inaccurate and distort the facts. McDonald’s also stated that it does not use pork hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach in the McRib and that the patty is made from 100% seasoned boneless pork.

Why Plaintiffs Say It Affected Purchases

The consumers bringing the case claim they would not have purchased the McRib, or would have paid less for it, had they known it did not contain rib meat. The lawsuit argues this misunderstanding influenced buying decisions nationwide. Plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution, and changes to future marketing practices .

Consumer Law Looks Beyond Ingredient Lists

Legal experts note that consumer protection laws focus on overall impression, not just technical accuracy. Courts often examine names, images, and context to determine whether a product is likely to mislead an average shopper. The lawsuit argues that even if ingredient lists are accurate, branding can still cross legal lines.

The McRib’s Long History Matters

First introduced in 1981, the McRib has become one of McDonald’s most recognizable limited-time items. Its scarcity, heavy promotion, and cult following have turned each return into a national event. The lawsuit claims that long-running familiarity makes consumers less likely to question what’s inside .

What Happens Next

The case is still in early stages, and no court has ruled on the merits of the claims. If certified, the lawsuit could proceed on behalf of customers nationwide who bought the McRib in recent years. For now, the dispute highlights how product names and expectations can collide in modern food marketing.