NY Times Article About Meat Processing in the US

**MomToTwoBoys** · 02-17-2010, 11:01 AM

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/us/31meat.html?_r=2

In case you wanted to read the rest of the article, it's above. But omg, I was grossed out when I got this in an email this morning from Autism Canada (who is a very, very reputable source). The origin of the article is from a respected US newspaper. Here's a bit of the article for those who don't have time to read the whole thing:

Eight years ago, federal officials were struggling to remove potentially deadly E. coli from hamburgers when an entrepreneurial company from South Dakota came up with a novel idea: injecting beef with ammonia.

The company, Beef Products Inc., had been looking to expand into the hamburger business with a product made from beef that included fatty trimmings the industry once relegated to pet food and cooking oil. The trimmings were particularly susceptible to contamination, but a study commissioned by the company showed that the ammonia process would kill E. coli as well as salmonella.

Officials at the United States Department of Agricultureendorsed the company’s ammonia treatment, and have said it destroys E. coli “to an undetectable level.” They decided it was so effective that in 2007, when the department began routine testing of meat used in hamburger sold to the general public, they exempted Beef Products.

So who does this company sell these products to?

McDonalds

Burger King

US Federal School Lunch Program

and other fast-food giants.

Gross!

So along with the butane in your McDonalds Chicken McNuggets, you have ammonia. I thought I'd just pass this along.

**Trishagirl** · 02-17-2010, 11:10 AM

Wow That's just awful!!!!! Another reason not to eat at fast food places!!!! I but my meat from a meat shop that says they have no hormones or additives in the meat. But I didn't know about the federal school program. My poor son eats at school!!!!
Thanks for letting us know about this. (:

**champagnium** · 02-17-2010, 11:36 AM

That's why we only eat meat my DH has cut himself!

Definitly see the movie Food Inc..it is an eye opener to anyone who worries more about the price of meat than where it comes from or how it's processed. This practice is shown in the film.
You can see it free on surfthechannel.com

Im so glad I buy my meat locally...and my husband is a butcher!!!

**Palooka** · 02-17-2010, 12:20 PM

I'm so glad I don't eat meat.

That is some scary stuff.

**jean08** · 02-17-2010, 12:33 PM

Hmmm.... very interesting. I've noticed that the burgers at various fast food restaurants have tasted different in the past couple of years — and not in a good way. Now it all makes sense. Another reason not to eat out.

**YankeeMom** · 02-17-2010, 12:52 PM

Thank goodness we get our beef from Amish butchers! Ick!

**geckoace** · 02-17-2010, 03:07 PM

Gross! Recently I was watching dr oz and he noted that since ground beef is usually from the rear and the scraps that that factor alone gives it a higher likelyhood of being contaminated with e.coli ... but ammonia does not seem like the best way to fix this...I told dh my meat eating days are almost over and this is just more confirmation

**2ndGenGranola** · 02-17-2010, 03:12 PM

I need a freezer and a cow.

**Palooka** · 02-17-2010, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by geckoace

Gross! Recently I was watching dr oz and he noted that since ground beef is usually from the rear and the scraps that that factor alone gives it a higher likelyhood of being contaminated with e.coli ... but ammonia does not seem like the best way to fix this...I told dh my meat eating days are almost over and this is just more confirmation

I'm pretty sure Dr.Oz is a vegetarian.

**Russ** · 02-17-2010, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by geckoace

Gross! Recently I was watching dr oz and he noted that since ground beef is usually from the rear and the scraps that that factor alone gives it a higher likelyhood of being contaminated with e.coli

I was a butcher for 10 years (small meat market) and I can tell you this is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard in regards to reasons for e-coli.
There is a HIDE between the meat and the feces. It does not migrate through it.

Furthermore... Do you realize they fertilize your veggies with COW MANURE? No, it is not sterilized before they apply it.

**alotofgooddeals** · 02-17-2010, 03:24 PM

and there is a lot of controversy (sp) as if it is true or not...
However after eating the burger i had a week or so ago it might explain why i had to throw it... it was the grossest burger i had ever had.......
I agree i think my meat eating days are just about over...

**shoiji** · 02-17-2010, 04:19 PM

Have also been eating a lot less meat lately. Makes me want to go completely vegetarian.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 02-17-2010, 04:23 PM

We try to eat as much elk, moose and white fish as possible. All of our meat is local, and I highly doubt the Canadian government would let something like this happen.

I'm so thankful that the meat I do buy is without any growth hormones or weird crap in it.