“Pink Slime.”

Sounds delightful right? Maybe if you’re talking about Nickelodeon’s slime park.

Pink slime, also known as lean finely textured beef or lean beef trimmings, is a product that was previously only used for pet food.

In 2001, however, the product became approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for use as an additive in various beef food products.

As of now, food can be composed of up to 15 per cent lean beef trimmings before companies are required to show it on the ingredient label.

The reasoning behind this is Beef Products Inc.’s philosophy, “Beef is Beef.”

They say this because it’s true. Pink slime is derived from real beef.

However, pink slime is often treated with ammonia as a way of killing any harmful bacteria. So, needless to say, there is controversy over whether or not pink slime should be allowed in the food you eat.

When asked what he thought about the rules for labeling pink slime in food items, Conway Smith, a senior studying History, said he thinks “that if many other ingredients are used and shown on labels why shouldn’t pink slime” be included on the nutrition facts.

“Even if they have to use a more professional name for it, it would still be good to know what is in the food,” said Smith.

However, there is good news.

Certain fast food chains including Taco Bell and McDonald’s told USA Today that their use of pink slime would be discontinued.

Other restaurants, like Wendy’s and Red Robin, are eager for their fans to know that pink slime has never been used in their establishment.

While pink slime is used in many school cafeterias, Chow’s supplier, ARAMARK, does not and has never used pink slime in any of their foods.

So, if you are on a meal plan, you’re safe, but be careful where you go for your next meal.

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