STOCK MARKET WATCH -- Wednesday, 28 March 2012

[Demeter]

25. Activism Shuts Down ‘Pink Slime’ Plants By Anthony Gucciardi

http://www.nationofchange.org/activism-shuts-down-pink-slime-plants-1332862704

In response to serious health activism that has spread like wildfire over the ammonia-treated ‘pink slime‘ product once commonly found in school lunches and supermarkets alike, the top producer of the toxic ingredient has shut down production in 3 out of 4 of its plants for 60 days. According to the corporate administer of Beef Products Inc, a South Dakota-based company, the ‘temporary’ closure may soon become “a permanent suspension.”

Even McDonald’s was forced to remove the pink slime amid calls from activists in a campaign spearheaded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Meanwhile, a startling 70% of supermarket ground beef maintained the slime. The pink slime is made up of leftover meat from beef after all of the muscular cuts have been removed. The meat is not muscle, but fat trimmings and connective tissue that are separated from the bone. Jamie Oliver says that the result is what would be sold at the cheapest form for dogs.

“Basically, we’re taking a product that would be sold at the cheapest form for dogs and after this process we can give it to humans,” said the TV chef.

Due to immense resistance to the pink slime preceeding this production halt, the USDA also announced that it would drop pink slime from school lunches. The large scale victory over pink slime follows a long line of consistent health victories. Corporations are continually being forced to answer to their consumers, who are increasingly becoming more aware of what is in the food products they consume on a daily basis. Companies like Campbell’s have begun abandoning BPA, the cancer-linked chemical found in can linings and plastic containers, and soda makers Coca-Cola and Pepsi are being forced to remove carcinogenic ingredients from both of their products.

Activism is not only effective, but it is viral. These recent food accomplishments show that the consumer does have control over the corporation — you just have to act upon it. Now it’s time to go after other toxic ingredients currently lurking in the food supply, and start to demand a more health-conscious and sustainable dietary environment. You have an effective voice — spread the word!