ABC News Sued Over “Pink Slime” Defamation

Sep 13, 2012

Beef Products Inc. Sues ABC News Over “Pink Slime” Coverage

ABC News is being sued by Beef Products Inc. for defamation over its coverage of a meat product often referred to “pink slime” also known in the beef industry as lean finely textured beef. It’s used as a food additive in ground beef and beef-based processed meat. The South Dakota based company is seeking $1.2 billion in damages for 200 defamatory statements about the product, saying that the network misled consumers into believing that the product was unhealthy and unsafe.

The news network isn’t only under fire but also several individuals, including ABC news anchor Diane Sawyer and a microbiologist who coined the term “pink slime.” The following is an excerpt from the company’s official announcement about the lawsuit. ABC’s lawyer – Jeffrey Schneider said that the “lawsuit is without merit” and that they will “contest it vigorously".

Following the coverage, the company had to close three out of its four U.S. plants, lying off over 650 people. The company is claiming that they lost 80 percent of their business in less than a month. The product is supported by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and he has publically said that the government wouldn’t allow the product for human consumption if it wasn’t safe and was approved back in 2004.

Video: Farmers: Stop Letting Risk Steal Your Profit — These New Insurance Tools Change the Game

Volatile markets. Unpredictable weather. Tight margins. Farming has never carried more risk—but now, you have smarter ways to protect your operation.
In this interview, Chris Corbett, Sales Manager at AGi3, breaks down a new generation of insurance solutions built specifically for today’s farm businesses: ForwardProtect — Protect your grain operation from the double hit of yield shortfalls and rising prices when forward contracts can’t be filled.
AgriEnhance — Take control of your crop risk plan with flexible yield coverage and whole-farm revenue protection tailored to your operation.
FarmElevate — A modern approach to farm insurance, combining deep ag expertise with advanced technology to protect your property, equipment, and liability.
These aren’t traditional policies—they’re strategic tools designed to protect your margins, stabilize cash flow, and give you confidence in uncertain markets.
If you’re serious about managing risk and protecting your bottom line, this is a must-watch.