Based on the success of last year's nationwide availability, the McRib is making an appearance on menus nationwide through November.

"The Checkoff was instrumental in the first national rollout of the McRib," said Paul Perfilio, national foodservice marketing manager for the Checkoff.  "This year the pork logo will be prominently featured on the McRib container.  McDonald's is very proud of the premium position that the container now conveys and the pork logo is part of that premium position."

The pork logo also will be prominently featured on a special McRib tray liner, indoor kiosk signs, bag stuffers and outdoor drive thru kiosk signs at all participating restaurants nationwide.

The McRib is made with 100% USDA-quality pork from the loin and shoulder and is served on a toasted, golden-brown home style roll. The boneless, seasoned pork patty is dressed with fresh slivered onions, two dill pickle slices and a one-of-a kind sweet, smoky, tangy, western barbeque style sauce.

"Each year the return of the McRib promotion in different regions of the country brings pork back to the top of consumers' minds and that is great for everyone involved," said Dianne Bettin, a pork producer from Truman, Minn., and chair of the Domestic Marketing Committee.  "The McRib has had a lot of success as a limited-time menu item."

"The excitement that McRib fans display each year is remarkable," said Rick Wion, director of social media, McDonald's USA.  "As soon as we announced that it was returning to the menu, McRib was one of the top trends on Google, Twitter and across the Web for nearly three days. This passion from our customers not only helps drive sales, it excites our entire system from suppliers to restaurants to corporate staff."

The Quest for the Golden McRib
For those over-the-top McRib enthusiasts, McDonald's has launched "The Quest for the Golden McRib" website, www.McDonalds.com/McRib.  The website will redirect consumers to Facebook where they can begin The Quest for the Golden McRib. It is a virtual scavenger hunt to find the Golden McRib located in McDonald's across the country.  Questers will have an opportunity to collect badges and share weirdly wonderful achievements on Twitter and Facebook.

"As the Checkoff celebrates 25 years, it is a great time for us to reflect upon the success of the McRib and other pork products that McDonald's has placed on its menu," said Perfilio.  "McDonald's is a strategic partner for the Checkoff and we  interface with several key McDonald's team members in the areas of promotions, product marketing, strategic alliances, procurement, pork production and animal well-being."

For more information, contact Paul Perfilio, [email protected], (850) 650-5402.