Representatives Steve King (R, IA-05), Tom Latham (R, IA-04), and Leonard Boswell (D, IA-03) want to know what the U.S. Department of Agriculture has done “to correct the public record and educate consumers about the safety” of lean, finely textured beef. It’s not the first time those politicians have decried the so-called “misinformation” campaign against what critics call “pink slime.” Bleeding Heartland has previously covered this controversy here, here, and here.

After the jump I’ve posted a press release from King’s office and the full text of yesterday’s letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, signed by 29 U.S. House members. The letter and press release suggest that Vilsack has an obligation to help repair the image of Beef Products Inc. That company recently suspended operations at three of its four facilities that produce lean, finely textured beef. King is also seeking a Congressional inquiry into the “smear campaign against one of the stellar companies in the country” and has said he is “focused on helping BPI get their brand back and their market share back.”

UPDATE: On April 20, Representative Bruce Braley (D, IA-01) called for a Congressional investigation into “recent claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef,” including people “on all sides of the issue.” More details are at the end of this post.

Press release from Steve King’s office, April 19:

King Urges Vilsack to Help Repair BPI’s Image

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King (R-IA) released the following statement today after sending Agriculture Department Secretary Tom Vilsack a letter expressing concerns about the campaign of misinformation surrounding lean, finely textured beef (LFTB) along with 30 other members.

“Misleading propaganda has plagued the marketplace and is adversely affecting the beef industry,” said King. “I hope that Secretary Vilsack will take steps to correct this media driven smear campaign. LFTB is a safe product, and Beef Products Incorporated has an unblemished health and food safety record. This issue impacts every American who buys beef; and they deserve an answer from the Secretary.”

The letter is attached as a pdf and the co-signers are listed below:

Leonard Boswell (IA-03), Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), Mike Ross (AR-04), Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Jim Costa (CA-20), Tom Latham (IA-04), Dan Boren (OK-02), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Thomas Rooney (FL-16), Lynn Jenkins (KS- 02), Mac Thornberry (TX-13), Larry Buschon (IN-08), Kristi Noem (SD-At Large), Kay Granger (TX-12), Michael K. Conaway (TX-11), Mike Pompeo (KS-04), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-09), Sam Graves (MO-06), Tom Graves (GA-09), Francisco Canseco (TX-2 3), John R. Carter (TX-31), Billy Long (MO-07), Steve Womack (AR-03), Renee Ellmers (NC-02), Randy Neugebauer (TX-19), Joe Barton (TX-06), Robert Schilling (IL-17), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Bill Johnson (OH-6)

Letter mailed to Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack, April 18:

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

Over the past several weeks, a great deal of misinformation has been disseminated to the public regarding the high quality lean, finely textured beef (LFTB) that is produced by companies like Beef Products Incorporated (BPI) and used by meat processors across the marketplace. Given the tremendous amount of simply incorrect information that has been released to the public about LFTB, it is no surprise that some consumers have begun to question the quality of this product. However, we understand the truth: LFTB is 100-percent beef, safe, and cost-effective.

We have been watching with great concern as this campaign of misinformation has unfolded and have been particularly concerned about the loss of jobs that’s resulted from it. No company should be forced to close its doors due to a smear campaign by a few overzealous individuals in the media. LFTB is a safe product and should be promoted as such.

BPI has long been an industry innovator and leader in beef processing and food safety. Its food safety record is exemplary, and many of the nation’s leading food safety experts and consumer groups have served as vocal supporters of BPI throughout this ordeal. We admire the innovative methods that BPI has continued to develop to create new ways to produce safer and healthier beef for the consumer. Not surprisingly, though, this award winning track record and reputation have gone largely unnoticed by those leading the campaign of misinformation.

Also ignored by BPI’s detractors is the potential impact this controversy may have on the pocketbooks of middle class Americans. There are already indications that the attacks on LFTB will cause the price of beef to rise across the nation. This isn’t just a problem that will impact those who produce beef; every American who buys beef could end up being harmed by this misinformation.

We are writing to you today to inquire about the steps the United States Department of Agriculture, and specifically the Food Safety Inspection Service, has taken to correct the public record and educate consumers about the safety of LFTB. Although we believe the USDA is in a unique position to help bring to light the facts about LFTB, we understand that Congress, too, can play a role. We will continue to do our part to educate the public about this important issue and the significant role BPI has played in advancing food safety in America, but we also believe that we must work in concert with the USDA. How can Congress and the USDA work together to stop the campaign of misinformation about LFTB?

We agree with you that consumer should always have the ability to exercise choice in the marketplace. This is a foundational principle of the American way of life. However, in the current environment of rampant and intentional mischaracterization and misinformation, it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that consumers are able to make choices that are based on the facts, rather than emotion and hysteria.

We appreciate your attention to this important request. We look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely

Press release from Representative Bruce Braley, April 20 (emphasis in original):

Braley Calls for Investigation into Lean, Finely Textured Beef Controversy

Consumers deserve accurate information

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings urging them to conduct an investigation into recent claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).

A series of recent stories on ABC News about LFTB were critical of companies like Beef Products, Inc. (BPI). Other public figures like celebrity chef Jamie Oliver have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB. Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI’s Waterloo, Iowa facility.  

“As a father of three, I share every parent’s concern about what their kids eat. We need to know that the food we’re feeding our families is safe and nutritious. And as consumers we deserve to have accurate information.

“It’s important that we investigate the claims made against lean, finely textured beef and do so scientifically to ensure that consumers have accurate information on this and other products.”

Braley has called for those on all sides of the issue to participate in this hearing including the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.

Text of Braley’s letter is below; a copy of Braley’s letter can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/yXV

—

April 20, 2012

The Honorable Darrell Issa                                              

Chairman                                                                

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform                                              

2157 Rayburn HOB                                                

Washington, DC  20515                                        

The Honorable Elijah Cummings

Ranking Member

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2471 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC  20515

Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings:

As you know, there has been significant controversy surrounding claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).  The public discussion regarding LFTB followed a series of reports on ABC News which were critical of companies such as Beef Products, Inc. (BPI).  In addition to ABC News, other public figures, such as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB.  Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI’s Waterloo, Iowa facility.  

I strongly urge the Committee to conduct hearings and investigate these recent claims. I encourage the Committee to invite all sides to participate in this hearing including, but not limited to, the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.  Our constituents deserve accurate information about the products they consume and BPI’s workers deserve an opportunity to answer their critics.

As a father of three, I share every parent’s concern about what their kids eat. Food choices must be made based on nutrition and safety and consumers are right to demand that their food supply is safe. I look forward to working with you on this important issue so that accurate information is available to consumers for this and other foods. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley

Member of Congress