McDonald’s Must Face Lawsuit Over What Its McRib Sandwich Contains
Lawsuit Moves Forward
McDonald’s failed to have the U.S. case dismissed, leaving the company to face claims that customers were misled about the McRib. The plaintiffs say the sandwich’s name gives buyers the impression it contains rib meat.
The judge said McDonald’s website identifies pork as an ingredient, but consumers should not have to investigate before purchasing a $7 sandwich. The judge also found that advertising focused on the meat’s rib-like form could help support a claim of intent to defraud, while noting more evidence would be required.
What Goes Into The McRib
The sandwich has appeared on McDonald’s menu at intervals since 1981. Its listed composition is seasoned boneless pork covered in barbecue sauce, rather than meat taken from a pig’s ribcage.
Plaintiffs allege the pork may include lower-grade products such as shoulder, heart, tripe or stomach, and say customers therefore pay too much for one of the chain’s pricier items. McDonald’s says it does not put hearts, tripe or stomach in the sandwich.
Company Disputes Allegations
McDonald’s maintains it has been clear about the sandwich’s ingredients. In a statement, the company called the case meritless and said the McRib uses pork from U.S. farmers and suppliers.
The judge rejected the argument that a trademarked product name resolves whether buyers could be misled. The ruling noted that McChicken and Egg McMuffin names refer to ingredients in those products.
Survey Cited In Case
A survey submitted by the plaintiffs found that 72 percent of respondents expected the McRib to contain rib meat. Among respondents, 67 percent said that expectation mattered when deciding whether to purchase it.
The survey results form part of the plaintiffs’ case that the distinction between rib meat and other pork matters to customers. The lawsuit will continue despite McDonald’s effort to end it.
Key points
- A U.S. judge allowed the McRib lawsuit against McDonald’s to proceed.
- The sandwich is described as seasoned boneless pork, not meat from the ribcage.
- McDonald’s denies using hearts, tripe or stomach in the McRib.
- A plaintiffs’ survey found 72 percent expected rib meat and 67 percent said it influenced their purchase decision.