Bravo to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine, an early and vocal supporter of my effort to get lean, finely textured beef, commonly referred to as “pink slime” out of school food. After sending a letter to USDA in support of my petition, Representative Pingree also circulated a sign-on letter in Congress, garnering the support of 41 other representatives.
Today Representative Pingree went a step further and introduced a bill in Congress – the Requiring Easy and Accurate Labeling of Beef Act (REAL Beef Act) — which would require that beef containing LFTB be labeled to disclose that fact to the end purchaser. The bill was introduced with ten co-sponsors, including Representatives Van Hollen, McCollum, Kucinich, Lee, Holmes-Norton, Holt, Ryan, Schiff, Lewis and Schakowsky.
As I have written here in the past, Beef Products Inc. has every right to sell its LFTB so long as it does so in a safe manner. But our free market economy rests on informed consumer choice, choice which was denied us when USDA decided that LFTB — up to 15% of the total product — need not be labeled on ground beef packages.
If BPI is so confident in the safety and quality of its product, it should have absolutely no objection to completely transparent labeling. Any lobbying efforts by BPI (or the beef industry) against its passage are a tacit admission that this product simply can’t withstand the bright light of consumer scrutiny. That should be troubling to us all.
Please urge your own Congressional representatives to support the REAL Beef Act.
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Percy says
“Caution: this burger contains 100% beef!”
There, that was easy. Now congress can get back to fixing our trashed economy and keeping us out of a war with Iran. I do wish they would get to those little items before wasting time with meaningless “labels to nowhere”, but you know how congress is.
EdT. says
This shows just how badly we need a legislative solution to this. It would appear that the beef processing industry is unwilling, or unable, to step up to the plate. And, to be honest, their condescending attitude (“Shut up and eat your beef! And quit asking those pesky questions! We know what’s best for you, and we’re doing this for your own good!”) is getting more than a little tiresome.
~EdT.
George from UC says
Since BPI and Gov. Perry are having such a hard time trying to figure out what to label pink slime, I suggest one of the following, which are far more truthful and descriptive than LFTB:
“Contains up to 15% of:”
Ammonia treated beef
Ammonia disinfected beef
Mechanically separated beef
Advanced Meat Recovery beef
There, that wasn’t so hard, was it?
Scott says
Mechanically Separated Beef is not allowed by the FDA – due to Mad Cow/SBE.
Tammy says
Copy of my letter to my local Congressman Rep. John Culberson. Feel free for anyone else to copy and send to their own congressperson.
“I am writing to you in hope that you will support the Requiring Easy and Accurate Labeling of Beef Act (REAL Beef Act) that Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine has recently introduced. As a consumer I believe that I should have the right to know what’s in my food and have the choice of whether or not I would like to purchase beef containing LFTB. While I understand the beef industry’s claim of the safety of this product, I have seen many conflicting stories to the contrary. I am not demanding an outright ban on beef containing LFTB I just want the product labeled clearly so that I may choose what I want to purchase for my family. Transparency and clear labeling is the only option in this matter. I know many concerned parents in my community and circle of friends feel the same way on this issue. I urge you to please support Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and help the passage of the REAL Beef act to be successful. “
Lenée says
NICE Tammy! Thank you!! 🙂
EdT. says
You know, I very seldom communicate with my Congressperson. Partially because we never seem to know for sure which one is ours, but more pointedly because s/he and I have little in common, political philosophy-wise. However, I do intend to communicate with my Congressperson regarding this matter. Thanks for keeping us informed.
~EdT.
Tammy says
Here is a link EdT to help you find out who your congressperson is! It’s how I found mine! http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
EdT. says
Got it… Thanks!
~EdT.
Brad BOrchers says
Ingredients: BEEF, plus Leaner BEEF
Now that was easy.
Mary says
85% major cut of single-ingredient raw product i.e. chuck, sirloin, round; 15% filler, cheaper, additive whatever just call it out. I’ll gladly buy 100% major cut of sinlge-ingredient raw product and you can buy the one with filler in it.