"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 special McRib tray liners at all participating restaurants nationwide."

The McRib is made with 100 per cent USDA-quality pork 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, Minnesota, and chair of the Domestic Marketing Committee. "The McRib has had a lot of success as a limited-time menu item."

"McDonald's McRib sandwich is truly an iconic product - and for many of our customers it's more than just a sandwich, it's an experience," said Neil Golden, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, McDonald's USA. "The enthusiasm and passion of McRib fans has helped propel a distinctive sandwich to a legendary status."

For those over-the-top McRib enthusiasts, McDonald's has launched "The Legends of McRib" website to capture McRib stories and tall tales submitted by fans who want to share their love for the sandwich to the world.