the McRib is in federal court, which feels like the natural destination for a sandwich that comes and goes like a Victorian ghost. after decades of mysterious disappearances, limited-time returns, and a patty with the silhouette of a cartoon xylophone, it is finally being asked to explain itself.
A federal judge in Chicago has allowed parts of a proposed class action against McDonald’s to move forward. The plaintiffs say the sandwich’s name, ridged shape, and marketing misled buyers into thinking it contains actual pork rib meat. McDonald’s disputes the allegations. That’s the story. Nobody has ruled the McRib guilty of impersonating a rib, and we have not reached the stage where the sandwich can take the witness stand.
