Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Pink slime controversy trims profit




The controversy over the inclusion of “pink slime” in hamburger and other beef products is pinching margins for beef packers, especially those who slaughter cull cows.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reacted to public concern by allowing schools to decide whether they want to ban pink slime from the hamburger they serve in the subsidized School Lunch Program.

That has reduced demand for the beef trimmings that are what’s called pink slime.

And it's all because a meat inspector went on television in the United States, using  the industry's common term - "pink slime" - for beef trimmings. 

What's in a name?

A lot of money for those who sell cull cows and slaughter them for food.