Tell USDA to STOP Using Pink Slime in School Food!
On March 6th, I started a Change.org petition asking USDA to stop the use of LFTB in ground beef destined for school food. A mere nine days into the petition (when we’d reached over 200,000 signatures), USDA announced that starting in the fall of 2012 it will offer school districts a choice of beef either with LFTB or without the filler.
Thereafter, many school districts around the country, including New York City public schools, the nation’s largest district, indicated they would take advantage of this option.
Some school districts have expressed concern, however, that due to cost and logistical reasons, they can’t take advantage of USDA’s choice. USDA has promised to offers schools more guidance later this year, after its vendor meeting. But meanwhile, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine garnered the support of 41 House representatives in asking that USDA simply discontinue the use of any beef with LFTB in schools, the original goal of the petition. Senators Robert Menendez (NJ) and Kristen Gillibrand (NY) have also sent letters to USDA in support of that goal.
You can continue to express your opposition to the use of LFTB in school food by visitingStopPinkSlime.org, a website generously created and hosted by Jamie Oliver and the Food Revolution, with the endorsement of Moms Rising; Healthy Child, Healthy World; Center for Ecoliteracy; Cook For America; and Food Day.
Check out my blog post for more information
While the petition is now closed, please visit StopPinkSlime.org, a website generously created and hosted by Jamie Oliver in support of this issue. You can also contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to support The Requiring Easy and Accurate Labeling of Beef Act (REAL Beef Act), introduced by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, which would require any beef containing ‘finely textured ground beef’ to have a label at the final point of sale.
“Pink slime” is the term used for a mixture of beef scraps and connective tissue (formerly used only for pet food and rendering) that is treated with ammonia hydroxide to remove pathogens like salmonella and E coli. These so-called “Lean Beef Trimmings,” are produced by Beef Products, Inc.