Report: Giant and Safeway to Remove 'Pink Slime' Beef from Stores

Joining other grocery chains, and , two of Maryland's biggest grocers, announced this week that they will no longer sell "pink slime" beef, according to statements released by the grocers.

Finely textured beef, or "pink slime," is made from meat scraps that are disinfected with a microbe killer like ammonia, according to the Los Angeles Times. Beef producers aren't required to list ammonia on the food label.

The product passes federal food regulations and the beef industry and grocers have said that it is safe to eat. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave schools lists of pink slime suppliers so they could choose if they wanted to buy the beef. 

Wal-Mart and other grocers have also announced plans to stop selling finely textured beef. 

Giant released this statement on March 22:

Giant Food of Landover, MD, today announced that it will no longer purchase fresh ground been containing finely textured beef. While USDA, the Department of Agriculture, has indicated this product is safe for consumption and complies with all applicable standards for lean beef, many of our customers voiced concern regarding Finely Textured Beef. We value the trusted relationship we have with our customers and their feedback on the issue. Giant Food will continue to communicate openly with our customers and stands by the quality, safety and compliance of all products we sell. 

Safeway released this statement:

Safeway is committed to providing our customers with the highest-quality products.  While the USDA and food industry experts agree that lean finely textured 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.

Does removing "pink slime" beef make you feel safer? Tell us in the comments.