OAK BROOK, ILL. — Select McDonald’s locations are now serving up the McRib and Johnsonville bratwursts for a limited time only, according to the National Pork Board.

"Local operators of McDonald’s operators can choose to run special events, and Greater Milwaukee McDonald’s restaurants have brought back Johnsonville Brats through the end of December," said Paul Perfilio, national foodservice marketing manager for the Pork Checkoff. "In addition, McDonald’s operators in Southern California, the Gulf Coast area and San Antonio, Texas, are now featuring the popular McRib sandwich for a limited time."

First debuting on McDonald’s menus in 1981, the McRib has developed a loyal following and even has its own page on the social networking site Facebook. The pork sandwich is also generating buzz in the blogosphere. On a recent posting at the "Fast Food Maven" blog, the author hailed the McRib’s 2009 return to Southern California and shared tips from her readers on where to find the pork sandwiches.

The McRib promotion at the select McDonald’s, including more than 500 Southern California restaurants, is being supported with television and in-store merchandising aids. Johnsonville Sausage Company bratwursts have also become a customer favorite in certain regions.

"About four years ago, McDonald’s first offered Johnsonville brats, and the product did very well in a variety of markets," Mr. Perfilio said. "The Pork Checkoff looks forward to working with more promotions in the coming year."