Was the McRib invented in Nebraska?

Rumor has it that McDonalds’ McRib® Sandwich was invented in Nebraska. That rumor is not exactly true.

In 1972 Professor Roger Mandingo of the University of Nebraska received a grant from the National Pork Producers Council to work on a process to create restructured meats. He developed a technology to bind small pieces of meat together in different shapes using salt and mechanical action. The results of his work can be seen today in such items as dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets and the famous McRib” Sandwich.

Next time you bite into that juicy restructured meat patty, be sure to thank Professor Mandingo.

McRib Button Source: Laura Mooney, Lincoln

McRib Button (Source: Laura Mooney, Lincoln)

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The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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