ABC agrees to settle 'Pink Slime' defamation lawsuit

FInely textured beef is safely prepared and safe for consumption.

The ABC television network has settled a lawsuit with Beef Products Inc. The lawsuit stems from a 2012 report that claimed Beef Products Inc manufactured and sold "pink slime." The report led to the closure of three plants and the layoff of 700 workers.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Few Americans trust their food supply. Regulations in the U.S. are relaxed and labeling laws are written by the food industry to keep consumers confused. Rumors abound that our food is made of subpar ingredients that include fillers, and questionable compounds.

This is why in 2012 when ABC reported South Dakota-based Been Products Inc. was producing "pink slime," the public reacted immediately, refusing to buy their products.

 

Pink slime is a filler made of beef trimmings that are finely ground, exposed to ammonia gas, and converted into a substance that looks like strawberry soft serve. It can be used as an additive or a filler for meat products.

Consumption of pink slime, which is properly called "finely textured beef" is safe, but in its initial form it does not appear appetizing, and the fact it is made of trimmings and exposed to ammonia can alarm customers who do not understand how food is processed. Following ABC's report, many consumers concluded that Beef Products Inc. offerings were unsafe.

So consumers understand, small quantities of ammonia are added to kill e. coli and other harmful bacteria that occur naturally. More ammonia is found occurring naturally in the human body that in textured beef.

The initial case against ABC requested $1.9 billion in damages. The actual amount of the settlement has not been disclosed. Under South Dakota law, the settlement can be tripled to $5.7 billion. ABC stands behind its reporting. ABC has refused to retract or apologize for their claims.

Beef Products Inc. insists its products are safe and satisfy all food safety and quality standards.

The job of the media is to inform the public. However, an emphasis on sensationalism can prevent the public from having all the facts they need to react intelligently to news. By portraying textured beef as "pink slime" and insinuating a controversy, and by withholding facts and information, ABC likely caused a public backlash which led to the loss of 700 jobs.

It is hoped the settlement will restore some of those jobs and help people put their lives back together.

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