Your extension connection to nutrition and fitness

What’s your ? Recently, social media outlets (e.g., Facebook) and news media have discussed “Lean Finely Textured Beef” (LFTB), which has unfortunately been labeled “pink slime.” Many Americans are left wondering if LFTB is safe. The answer is yes, LFTB is safe. Serves: 4 Serving size: 1 cup What is Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB)? LFTB is a beef product that results from using equipment to Ingredients separate the small, irregular-shaped pieces of lean from fat trimmings left ½ pound lean or turkey over after larger roasts, , and other cuts are removed from a beef carcass. 1 green pepper chopped (about ½ cup) 1 small onion chopped (about ½ cup) Are these products regulated and inspected? 2 cups water Yes. LFTB is beef, and all are strictly regulated and inspected by the ½ cup tomato sauce U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). LFTB products have a 20-year excellent 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes food safety record. 1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni 1-2 teaspoons chili powder How are these lean beef trimmings processed? Directions The trimmings are first heated to about 100°F to soften and separate the fat from 1. Brown the in a large the meat. The lean meat is then treated with a puff of food-grade ammonium skillet. Rinse with warm water and hydroxide gas to kill . The result is a very low fat (95+% lean) beef product drain to remove excess fat. that is added to foods such as ground beef, , and lunch . 2. Add the chopped green peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat Is it true that these trimmings previously were used only for and oil until tender. and were unfit for human consumption, as one media outlet claimed? 3. Add the water, tomato sauce, diced Trimmings were used for pet food and oil. Advancements in food processing tech- tomatoes, macaroni, and chili powder. nology 20 years ago, however, facilitated the recovery of a high quality protein that 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low had previously been used in pet food. Recovery of this protein makes more efficient and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir often use of our limited food supply and contributes to a more sustainable . to keep the macaroni from sticking. 5. Serve while hot. Why is used to produce lean finely textured beef? 6. Refrigerate leftovers. Food grade ammonium hydroxide (basically ammonia + water) differs from house- Nutrient information per serving hold ammonia used in cleaning products. Ammonium hydroxide, FDA approved 310 calories, 7 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated since 1974, is used in many food products such as puddings, gelatins, cheese, fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 620 mg sodium, breakfast cereals, egg products, and baked goods, and can occur naturally in food. 42 g total carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 8 g sugar, Because they are ground up, ground or blended beef products carry a higher risk 19 g protein for foodborne pathogens to be introduced throughout the product, making them SOURCE: SpendSmartEatSmart less likely to be killed during cooking compared with those on the surface of whole- muscle cuts. A puff of the ammonium hydroxide gas is used in the processing of LFTB to raise the pH and help control harmful bacteria that may be present. These bacteria could make someone ill if the product were not cooked thoroughly.

When any form of lean finely textured beef (LFTB) is blended into ground beef, will it be labeled? Because it is 100% beef, LFTB is not singled out as a separate ingredient on ground beef packages. Beef is beef. (Continued on back)

Healthy People. Environments. Economies. (Beef continued) What do the experts say about its safety? Experts such as Dr. Gary Acuff at Texas A&M University and Dr. John Floros at Pennsylvania State University have examined these products and say that all forms of lean finely textured beef are safe when produced in compliance with USDA regulations.

What do the food safety data show? USDA data show that the incidence of E. coli in fresh ground beef has been declining significantly over the past decade. The number of USDA ground beef samples testing positive for E. coli O157:H7 dropped 55 percent between 2000 and 2010. Lean finely textured beef products have been a part of that success story.

For more information please visit: www.extension.iastate.edu http://www.sdda.sd.gov/LFTB%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/03/beef-products-inc-gets-support-from- food-safety-leaders/ http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/76184 http://www.explorebeef.org/CMDocs/ExploreBeef/LFTB%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Is it Done Yet? Research suggests the color of meat and its juices are not accurate indicators of doneness. Ground beef may turn brown before it has reached the temperature at which bacteria are destroyed. Preparing hamburger and relying on visual signs such as color to determine doneness increases the risk and likelihood of food poisoning. A hamburger cooked to 160°F (165°F for ground ) measured with a food thermometer throughout the , is safe — regardless of color.

Source: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/fact_sheets/doneness_versus_safety/index.asp#4

Have a “Ball” with exercise If you are looking for a good workout for the abdominal and back muscles in your mid-section, try an exercise ball. Exercise balls are large, vinyl balls with varying degrees of inflation.

Exercise balls work these core muscles in the body by introducing instability while doing an exercise, forcing a person to maintain balance and proper posture. Exercises done on the exercise ball can include spine rotation exercises, mobility and stretching techniques, and pelvic isolation exercises.

Be aware when using an exercise ball: 1. First time users should get expert help to learn how to properly use the ball. PM 2099U June 2012 2. Individuals with issues related to a sudden, unexplained loss of balance …and justice for all The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in should avoid using an exercise ball. all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, 3. Use the ball on a soft surface to age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political prevent injuries from falling. beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is de- 4. Select a ball that is appropriate for rived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means your size. It should allow the hips and for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, knees to relax at a 90-degree angle etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, while sitting on the ball with the back Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC in a neutral position. 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 5. Progress gradually.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and Adapted from Having A Ball with Exercise, WebMD fitness newsletter. June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20030424/ Cathann A. Kress, director, Cooperative Extension Service, of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa. having-ball-exercise?page=3&print=true