DeLauro Questions Safety of Ammonia-Treated Beef

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today released the following statement in response to the New York Times' investigative report on Beef Packers, Inc., and their use of ammonia to treat beef trimmings, which are particularly vulnerable to contamination.

The ammonia treatment had been shown by a study conducted by Beef Packers, Inc. to kill both E. Coli and salmonella. However, recently obtained records that show the company's products have contained the dangerous pathogens in over 50 instances since 2005. Beef Packers, Inc. sells beef trimmings treated with ammonia to mainstream fast-food restaurants such a McDonald's and Burger King, as well as to the federal school lunch program.

I have commented before on Beef Packers, Inc. and their safety record, and this is yet another example of their inability to produce safe food. They have shown themselves to be a risk not only to the general population, but also to our nation's schoolchildren. Beef Packers, Inc. cannot be allowed to continue operating in this manner. It is the USDA's responsibility to keep our nation's food supply safe, and steps need to be taken to ensure that this goal is met. I call on the USDA to meet to this goal by re-examining this questionable treatment and discontinuing all government contracts with Beef Packers, Inc., and to improve their internal coordination.