ABC settles ‘pink slime’ lawsuit

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — ABC and a South Dakota meat producer announced a settlement Wednesday in a $1.9 billion lawsuit against the TV network over its reports on a beef product that critics dubbed “pink slime.”

The terms of the settlement including its amount are confidential. Dakota Dunes, S.D.-based Beef Products sued ABC in 2012, saying ABC’s coverage misled consumers into believing the product is unsafe, is not beef and isn’t nutritious. ABC spokeswoman Julie Townsend said Wednesday that throughout the case the network has maintained its reports accurately presented the facts and views of “knowledgeable people” about the product.

“Although we have concluded that continued litigation of this case is not in the company’s interests, we remain committed to the vigorous pursuit of truth,” Townsend said.

Beef Products and its family owners said in a statement Wednesday that the lawsuit was difficult, but necessary to start rectifying the harm suffered as a result of ABC’s reports on lean, finely textured beef. Such beef can be added to ground beef to reduce the overall fat content. It’s made from trimmings left after a cow is butchered. The meat is separated from the fat, and ammonia gas is applied to kill bacteria.

Former Department of Agriculture microbiologist Gerald Zirnstein named the product “pink slime” in a 2002 agency email. He was among several people who were dismissed from the lawsuit, including ABC anchor Diane Sawyer, leaving just the network and correspondent Jim Avila as defendants.

After the announcement, Avila thanked the jurors for their service.

“I wish they had had the chance to hear my side of the story,” Avila said, according to the Sioux City Journal. “It’s important to note we’re not retracting anything or apologizing for anything.”

The settlement came on the trial’s 18th day in state court.