McRib controversy: The pork supplier’s 'hellish' methods

Will fans of McDonalds' saucy sandwich still be lovin' it after the Humane Society's disturbing allegations?

Hogs in the holding pen of the Smithfield Hams factory
(Image credit: Karen Kasmauski/Science Faction/Corbis)

Bad news for fans of the infamous McRib: The Humane Society filed a legal complaint against Virginia-based Smithfield Foods, which supplies the pork for McDonald's sandwich. In an undercover operation from 2010, the animal rights group says it uncovered a number of disturbing farming practices, including the use of tightly confining gestation crates that cause sows to suffer "from open pressure sores and other ulcers and wounds," with nary a veterinarian in sight. Will these gross allegations sully the reputation of the barbecue-sauce-slathered sandwich? Here's what you should know:

Should we really be surprised?

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