Pink slime

Pink Slime

Lean finely textured beef in its finished form

Pink slime is a colloquial term used to describe a meat by-product used as a food additive to ground beef and beef-based processed meats, as a filler or to reduce the overall fat content of ground beef. The term was popularized by a 2009 article by The New York Times and gained widespread attention in 2012 following a report by ABC News.

Production Process

Pink slime is produced by processing beef trimmings, which are the leftover pieces of meat that remain after the larger cuts of beef have been removed. These trimmings are heated to about 100 °F (38 °C) to separate the fat from the muscle. The resulting product is then treated with ammonia gas or citric acid to kill bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The treated product is then added to ground beef as a filler.

Uses in Food Industry

The primary use of pink slime is in the production of ground beef. It is used to reduce the fat content of the beef while maintaining a similar texture and flavor. Pink slime is also used in the production of processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages. The use of pink slime allows producers to utilize more of the animal, reducing waste and lowering costs.

Controversy and Public Perception

The use of pink slime has been controversial due to concerns about food safety and labeling. Critics argue that the use of ammonia in the production process is not adequately disclosed to consumers and that the product should be labeled as a meat by-product. The controversy led to a significant public backlash, resulting in several major retailers and fast-food chains discontinuing the use of pink slime in their products.

Regulatory and Industry Response

In response to the controversy, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would allow school districts to choose whether or not to include pink slime in their ground beef products. The beef industry has defended the use of pink slime, arguing that it is safe, nutritious, and environmentally friendly. Industry groups have also emphasized that the product meets all federal food safety standards.

Impact on the Beef Industry

The pink slime controversy had a significant impact on the beef industry, leading to plant closures and job losses. The negative publicity resulted in decreased demand for products containing pink slime, forcing some producers to reformulate their products or find alternative markets.

Related Pages

• Ground beef
• Food safety
• Meat processing
• Food additive