LUBBOCK, Texas — The maker of “pink slime” suspended operations Monday at three of four plants where the beef ingredient is made, saying officials would work to address public concern that has cost the company business. Craig Letch, director of food quality and assurance for Beef Products acknowledged business has taken a “substantial” hit since social media exploded this month with worry over the product and an online petition seeking its ouster from schools drew hundreds of thousands of supporters. The Department of Agriculture decided school districts may stop using it, and some retail chains have pulled products containing it from their shelves. Federal regulators say the ammonia-treated filler, which has been used for years, meets food-safety standards. The Associated Press
