McDonald’s is responding to claims that its popular McRib sandwich isn’t actually made with real pork rib meat.

The blink-and-you-miss-it menu item recently returned to select restaurants across the country in November 2025. On Dec. 23, a federal class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois alleging that the McRib “does not contain any actual pork rib meat at all.”

Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the lawsuit as it unfolds.

What the Lawsuit Says

Four plaintiffs are suing McDonald’s over claims that the McRib meat patty “has been deliberately crafted to resemble a rack of pork ribs” but doesn’t contain pork rib meat.

“Its meat patty is reconstructed using ground-up portions of lower-grade pork products such as, interalia, pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach,” the lawsuit reads.

The plaintiffs say the name “McRib” is a “deliberate sleight of hand.”

“By including the word ‘Rib’ in the name of the sandwich, McDonald’s knowingly markets the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable consumers, who reasonably (but mistakenly) believe that a product named the ‘McRib’ will include at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat, which commands a premium price on the market. McDonald’s does this despite knowing that the sandwich in fact does not contain any meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat—indeed, none at all,” the lawsuit reads.

The plaintiffs allege that consumers have been “misled” by the fast-food chain’s “deceptive labeling and marketing.”

The lawsuit seeks “compensatory damages, restitution, and injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive advertising practices.”

What Ingredients Are in the McRib?

The McDonald’s website offers the following description of the McRib: “The McRib starts with seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun.”

The fast-food chain lists the following ingredients of the McRib:

  • McRib Pork Patty
  • Homestyle Bun
  • McRib Sauce
  • Pickle Slices
  • Onions

A breakdown of the McRib Pork Patty includes the following ingredients:

  • Pork
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Dextrose
  • Rosemary Extract

McDonald’s Responds to the Lawsuit

In a statement to NBC Chicago, McDonald’s offered the following statement in response to the pending lawsuit:

“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.”