US schools get go-ahead to drop ‘pink slime’ from menu

Officially called Lean Finely Textured Beef, it is formed by reclaiming the small parts of meat from leftover cuts with a high fat content using a centrifuge to separate the meat from the fat. The product is bought by the USDA and supplied to schools. The organisation claims it only purchases products for the school lunch programme that are 'safe, nutritious and affordable'. But it has now issued a statement acknowledging concerns among schools and offering greater choice: "In response to requests from school districts across the country, the USDA announced today that it will offer more choices to schools in the National School Lunch Program when it comes to purchases of ground beef products." This will allow schools across the States to stop serving the so-called "pink slime" beef to their pupils at mealtimes. The name derives from a comment by a US Government scientist. Reports it was being widely used in schools had prompted an outcry, including social media campaigns and an online petition to oppose the use of the product. Celebrity chef and school meals campaigner Jamie Oliver criticised the product on his US television show last year, and McDonald's recently said it would phase out the use of 'pink slime' in its burgers. The USDA statement went on: "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 schools with a choice to order product either with or without Lean Finely Textured Beef."