'Pink slime': Meat processer seeks $5.7bn in defamation case

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40167818

'Pink slime': Meat processer seeks $5.7bn in defamation case

9 hours ago

From the section US & Canada

A trial has begun in South Dakota over a meat processer's claim that it was defamed by ABC News reporting that dubbed its product "pink slime". Beef Products Inc (BPI) argues ABC and its journalist ruined its reputation in 2012 reports on "lean finely textured beef", as the industry calls it. BPI says ABC's "disinformation campaign" caused the meat processer's revenues to drop by 80%. They are suing ABC for up to $5.7bn (£4.4bn) in damages.
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The beef trimmings are placed in a centrifuge in order to separate the lean meat from fat, before it is treated with ammonia to remove bacteria.
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Grocery stores across America dropped products containing "pink slime" after the ABC reports aired. The processed trimmings were also once found in fast-food served by McDonald's, Taco Bell and Burger King. BPI, which primarily produces the beef trimmings, shut down three of its four production plants following the reports.

ABC lawyers argue they are protected under the US constitution's first amendment, which ensures a free press.
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