For the last couple of weeks, “pink slime” has been in the news. This is something that I’ll refer to as a “beef by-product” which is added to much of the ground beef sold in the U.S. I think that’s a polite enough term although the American Meat Institute insists on calling it beef.
Now, as far as I’m concerned, the purpose of this being done by Beef Products, Inc. is to stretch the ground beef supply by using this left over connective tissue and trimmings and generate additional profit. But, of course, that’s just me talking.
There has been a lot of media attention and a lot of people have gotten very concerned about the quality of the ground beef they have been eating.
So, here’s the good news. I live in Southern California. I shop at a grocery chain called Stater Brothers. Well, I called their corporate headquarters today and had a nice chat with a young woman who assured me that Stater Brothers absolutely does NOT use any “pink slime” or “finely textured beef” or “boneless beef trimmings” in their ground beef.
(photo from Google Images)
I’ve had a lot of hits the last several days on this blog and on another blog where I also write of people searching for “pink slime” and “Stater Brothers” and “does Stater Brothers use pink slime.”
I’m really glad to say that they have assured me that they do NOT. There is no pink slime at Stater Brothers.
I’ve always been impressed with their meat department and how helpful and professional their staff is at my store on Santa Fe in Vista, CA.
But, if you’re still concerned, do like I do—but a bottom round or boneless chuck roast when it’s on special and ask the guy behind the counter to grind it into hamburger for you. He’ll be happy to do it—at no extra charge. There. Now you know that you’ve got really good quality hamburger and it should be cheaper than the packaged ground beef in the meat case.
Thanks Stater Brothers.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this article. You have answered my question. I love Stater Brothers ground sirloin. I agree with you about their employees, especially in the meat department. Always helpful and gracious.
Peggy, thanks for the comment. The staff at corporate was very open and helpful too. And when I asked the meat manager at my local store about pink slime he got a grimace on his face and said “that’s some nasty stuff” and “we don’t use it”.
Thanks for doing the research. I had a feeling Stater Bros. wouldn’t use this crap, but you never know! SB is my go-to store for just about everything, so I’m happy to hear they steer clear of pink slime. Thanks again!
SMJ, Thanks for your comment. I did the research because Stater’s is also where I buy my meat. However, I rarely, if ever, buy gound beef there. I usually buy boneless chuck roast or “London Broil” when it’s on special and have them grind it for me–which they will do for free. Then I re-package it into freezer bags when I get home.