Schools can decide on ‘pink slime’ meat - USDA

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has re-affirmed the safety of ‘pink slime’, despite announcing that it will give schools the option of serving meat made with or without the filler.

The USDA announced that it will offer more choices to schools within the National School Lunch Program when it comes to purchasing ground beef products following requests from school districts across the country to remove lean finely textured beef – otherwise known as ‘pink slime’ - from meat products.

The decision follows pressure from consumers – more than 200,000 of whom signed an online petition to ban the use of lean finely textured beef in school-destined meat products.

“USDA only purchases products for the school lunch program that are safe, nutritious and affordable – including all products containing Lean Finely Textured Beef,” said a USDA statement.

“However, due to customer demand, the department will be adjusting procurement specifications for the next school year so schools can have additional options in procuring ground beef products. USDA will provide school with a choice to order product either with or without Lean Finely Textured Beef.”