Outline:
A new class-action lawsuit is being filed against McDonald’s over claims that the McRib is not what it appears to be.
A class action lawsuit was submitted on December 23 in an Illinois federal court, claiming that the globally recognized fast food restaurant intentionally deceived consumers through the design and title of the McRib.
Inside, the four plaintiffs argue that the sandwich is designed to resemble a rack of pork ribs, despite McDonald’s awareness that “the sandwich actually contains no significant amount of real pork rib meat—essentially none at all.”
The name ‘McRib’ is a calculated trick,” the lawsuit states. “By incorporating the word ‘Rib’ into the sandwich’s name, McDonald’s intentionally promotes the product in a manner that misleads informed customers, who reasonably (though incorrectly) assume that a product called the ‘McRib’ will contain a significant amount of real pork rib meat, which is typically more expensive.
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The class action lawsuit extends beyond criticizing the promotion of the McRib — it also establishes the definition of “actual pork rib meat,” even stating that the McRib is merely a “reconstructed meat product.”
Pork rib meat, as stated in the lawsuit, includes either spare ribs or baby back ribs. The four plaintiffs argue that the McRib contains ground pieces of “pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach,” which are classified as lower-quality pork cuts.
McDonald’s has already addressed the lawsuit and described the allegations as “without foundation.”
“Our popular McRib sandwich is crafted using 100% pork obtained from farmers and suppliers throughout the U.S.—there are no hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach included in the McRib patty, as incorrectly claimed in this lawsuit,” the statement said.Fast Company reads. “We have consistently been open about our ingredients, allowing guests to make the best decision for themselves.”
The attorneys representing the four plaintiffs are seeking compensation for class members, including damages, legal fees, and interest, and want McDonald’s to “stop using misleading names, promotions, and advertisements related to the McRib.”
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