low points in the price of bulk pork. According to McDonald's, the sandwich's limited availability is due to their desire to provide a varied menu throughout the year. In popular culture The sandwich, as well as the cultural phenomenon of "chasing the McRib", were the subject of a subplot in The Simpsons episode "I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can", in which it is parodied as the "Ribwich" and gains a cult following. See also List of sandwiches List of McDonald's products References External links McRib menu item at McDonald's McRib menu item at McDonald's Germany, with in-depth product description McRib Locator by Alan Klein American sandwiches McDonald's foods Food and drink introduced in 1981 Products introduced in 1981