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Schools can opt-out for ammonia treated beef

Posted at 8:49 PM, Mar 15, 2012
and last updated 2012-03-16 00:16:42-04

Beginning in the fall, schools across the nation can just say no to so-called “pink slime” meat.

The United States Department of Agriculture today announced changes for schools enrolled in the national school lunch program.

Schools will be able to choose between 95% ground beef containing “Lean Finely Textured Beef” also referred to as “pink slime”, or less lean ground beef without it.

The “pink slime” is ammonia-treated ground beef filler that was also used in many fast food chains until recently.

USDA officials say all the products are safe but their decision to offer choices was based on customer demand.

RELATED: Consumers question the safety of United States beef.