From WikiMedia Commons via The Atlantic

By Zach Crizer

The McRib always creates a momentary sensation when it returns to McDonald’s. In fact it seems like the fast-food chain just takes it away every once in a while to experience the surge of popularity that ensues when the sandwich comes back.

But, this time might be different. Virginia-based Smithfield Foods, the company that supplies the pork for the sandwiches, is under fire (mainly from the Humane Society of the United States) for the living conditions of its pigs.

So, whether the claims that Smithfield mistreats its animals are true or not, maybe the McRib will finally just stay on the menu or go for good.