Ground beef that includes what the meat industry calls lean, finely textured beef, or pink slime, has been getting a lot of media coverage lately. Consumers have been avidly asking questions about which grocery stores sell it so that they can avoid it. As consumers continue to voice their concern, grocers are listening.
Safeway, SUPERVALU and Food Lion are the latest grocery stores to make the announcement that they will discontinue carrying ground beef that includes pink slime. Safeway released a statement saying, “While the USDA and food industry experts agree that lean, finely textured ground beef is safe and wholesome, recent news stories have caused considerable consumer concern about this product. Safeway will no longer purchase ground beef containing lean, finely textured beef.”
The list of grocers that are issuing statements regarding their ground beef and whether or not it contains pink slime is growing.
While Safeway is the second largest grocery chain in the country, SUPERVALU is the third largest chain. SUPERVALU controls various grocery stores including Albertson’s, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco, Hornbacher’s and others. Some other heavy hitters like Walmart and Sam’s Club have also made recent announcements that they would stop selling beef that includes pink slime. The nation’s largest grocery store chain is Kroger and they currently offer beef options with and without the product.
For consumers with concerns or that want to avoid the substance in their food, Kroger has provided a public list of which beef does not contain pink slime. So far, the list of places you can find beef that is free of pink slime is as follows:
- Safeway
- Ahold (Stop & Shop/Giant)
- Costco
- Publix
- H-E-B
- Whole Foods
- Kroger
- Tops Markets
- SUPERVALU
- Food Lion
- Walmart and Sam’s Club
As more information continues to unfold regarding lean, finely textured beef don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping. If you don’t have access to one of the above listed stores, check with the meat departments in your store to find out what types of products they are using. Consider going to a butcher in your area or contact some local farms to buy your meat directly.
National chains are making changes because people are speaking up. Don’t be afraid to investigate for the health and sake of your family. You have a right to know what you are buying and eating.
Also Read:
Protein Rich Meat Alternatives
So where do we find the Kroger list of what meats have it? Jeez.