US meat industry crumbles under the weight of 'pink slime' concerns
The safety claims of two former-US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists relating to lean finely textured beef (LTFB), now widely known as 'pink slime', were enough to cause widespread concern amongst consumers and the media in 2012.
Claims that the long-used meat product was approved for consumption by the USDA for political reasons despite safety concerns have resulted in a tug-of-war between the safety-conscious public and the well-informed meat processing sector.
Retailers including Walmart and Kroger have since vowed to end their purchase of ground beef containing 'pink slime' after bowing to consumer pressure.
As a result, leading LFTB producer Beef Products Inc. temporarily suspended production at three of its facilities and ground beef producer AFA Foods filed for bankruptcy citing "recent changes in the market."
Pink slime food safety concerns a ‘gross misunderstanding’ - producer
‘Majority’ confident about ‘pink slime’ despite petition support – American Meat Institute
Meat industry impact unknown as retailers drop ‘pink slime’ – American Meat Institute
‘Pink slime’ producer remains defiant as it announces halt in production
AFA Foods files for bankruptcy citing 'pink slime' media damage
