Business & Tech

Wegmans Opts Out of 'Pink Slime' Ground Beef

Wegmans announced Friday that it will no longer sell fresh ground beef containing finely textured beef, or "pink slime" beef.

The day after announced it would no longer purchase fresh ground beef containing lean, finely textured beef, which contains a filler commonly known as "pink slime," Wegmans announced it would be doing the same.

“We’ve made a decision to stop selling ground beef that contains lean finely textured beef," said Danny Wegman, the CEO of Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. "Having grown up in the meat business, we have always been proud of our ground beef and eat it ourselves. Because of the sensationalism of this issue it has become a concern for our customers. Every decision we make is with our customers in mind. Our commitment remains the same. We will continue to source the best quality ground beef, now without lean finely textured beef.”

Wegmans, however, will not be removing products containing lean finely textured beef currently on shelves. Instead, the supermarket chain will make the transition as soon as ground beef without lean finely textured beef is available from its supplier. That timeline is still being determined.

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According to the USDA, finely textured beef is a meat product derived from a process which separates fatty pieces from beef trimmings to reduce the overall fat content.

USDA continues to affirm the safety of lean finely textured beef product for all consumers and urges customers to consult science based information on the safety and quality of this product, the agency says.

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Wal-Mart and Sam's Club previously announced they would start offering beef that does not contain lean finely textured beef, according to ABC News.


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