COMING SOON:

COMING SOON:
Watch Trailers To 'New Moon,' More

°

Homepage / Money
Text Size

Case-Ready Beef Appears Fresh Weeks After Sell-By Date

POSTED: Thursday, April 27, 2006
UPDATED: 5:50 pm EDT April 28, 2006

Central Florida grocery stores are selling ground beef with an invisible extra that may be fooling unsuspecting shoppers, according to a Problem Solvers investigation.


VIDEO: See The Story

The controversial ingredient is not listed on the label but popular Central Florida stores are selling it.

Local 6 News reported that the "extra" is called modified atmosphere, which is a mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and a small amount of carbon monoxide.

"The carbon monoxide enhances the red pigment giving the beef 'shelf appeal,'" Local 6 reporter Mike Holfeld said.

Local 6 News showed video of case-ready beef packaged with carbon monoxide inoculated with salmonella and then showed that it looked OK eight days later. The report then showed video of beef not packaged with carbon monoxide that looked brown.

Dr. Hordu Kristinsson of the University of Florida co-authored a book on modified atmosphere and was featured in the report.

His research showed that the meat is perfectly safe but he admitted that what you see might not be what you get, Holfeld said.

"I can say this, that you could buy beef that still looks red but could be spoiled," Kristinsson said.

"What's the intent of putting this stuff?" Holfeld asked.

"Mainly, prolong the red color," Kristinsson said.

"You're prolonging the look?" Holfeld said.

"You're prolonging the look," Kristinsson said.

"So, it appears fresh?" Holfeld said.

"Yes," Kristinsson said.

Local 6 News showed video of case-ready beef packaged with carbon monoxide inoculated with salmonella and then showed that it looked OK eight days later.

The report then showed video of beef not packaged with carbon monoxide that looked brown.

Both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration said the process is "generally regarded as safe," Holfeld said.

  • The report also showed ground beef purchased in the middle of March with a sell-by date of March 30 that looked red in May.

    Still, supermarkets such as Publix have rejected the modified atmosphere products.

    A Publix spokeswoman told Local 6 News, "Because we adhere to strict quality standards, we will never sell modified atmospheric case-ready beef. Our beef is ground fresh daily."

    In Chicago, the City Council is considering a resolution that would ban the sale of case-ready beef packed in carbon monoxide.

    The report also showed ground beef purchased in the middle of March with a sell-by date of March 30. Nearly a month later, the beef was still cherry red, Local 6 News reported.

    A representative for Target stores told Local 6 News that the beef was safe.

    "Target has high food-quality standards," the representative said. "Meat packaged in this manner is manufactured in USDA-inspected facilities."

    The Local 6 News investigation has already caught the attention of Orange County officials.

    Commissioner Linda Stewart has asked key county staff to review the Chicago ordinance and the possibility of action in Orange County.

    The commissioner co-hosted a community meeting with Local 6 on this very issue, Holfeld said.

    Click here to see the Chicago ordinance.

    Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
    Text Size
      SURVEY
    A Local 6 News report showed that carbon monoxide enhances red pigment giving the beef "shelf appeal." Do you think the modified atmospheric case-ready beef should be labeled?

    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

    Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

    Learn how to melt off the pounds with meal plans and exercises from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

    Ever wonder which cars people are buying the most? Find out here as we count down America’s top 20 sellers. More

    Most Popular

    Marketplace

    • AutoClick to Expand

    • JobsClick to Expand

      • Six Answers Interviewers Need To Hire You

        During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

      • Guide To Negotiating A Great Salary

        You can start laying the groundwork for your salary negotiation even before the first interview. Here's a step-by-step guide.

      • Should You Say Yes To A Buyout?

        In today’s economy, the lure of a big-bucks buyout can be tempting, but before you say yes, take the time to understand what it will mean for you.

      • Ten Rules For Interviewing

        In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before your next interview.

    • WomenClick to Expand

      • Healthy Living In Your 40s

        Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

      • Manage Stress, Find Balance

        The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

      • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

        Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

    • InsuranceClick to Expand

      • Auto Insurance Quotes

        Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

      • Health Insurance Quotes

        No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

      • Home Insurance Quotes

        Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

      • Life Insurance Quotes

        What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

      • Business Insurance Quotes

        Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

    • HomesClick to Expand

    Sponsored Links