Question ‘pink slime,’ focus on our health

Europe bans “pink slime.” The media should find out why and report that instead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture approving it (ground beef additive). The USDA is influenced by lobbying, and therefore does not have the public good at heart but follows the money trail. Shameful.

It would be unfortunate for pink slime production employees to lose their jobs. However, the general health of society trumps a few hundred employees who may find future employment from the legitimate hamburger producers who will become busier with the downfall of pink slime.

It is shortsighted to consider pink slime safe because it has been around for 20 years and no deaths or disease has been attributed to it. How do you know? Considering the morass of trying to determine the cause of the onset of immune disorders, cancers and hosts of other diseases that have increased over the last 20 years, it seems reasonable to question pink slime as being among many potential culprits.

So, to the media and more specifically The Gazette, instead of capitulating to what spin the government feeds you, vet the pink slime issue fully and give the public the information that will help them make the best decision for their health. Do some good old-fashioned journalism on this issue and have regular features on food safety in general, and you may find a bevy of new readers.

Dennis Walters

Marion