Giant, Weis to Stop Selling 'Pink Slime' Beef

and have joined a growing list of supermarket chains that will no longer purchase fresh ground beef containing lean, finely textured beef, which contains a filler commonly known as "pink slime."

"While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated this product is safe for consumption and complies with all applicable standards for lean beef, many of our customers have voiced concern regarding finely textured beef," a press release from Giant Food Stores states. "We value the trusted relationship we have with our customers and their feedback on this issue."

Weis Markets also put out a news release pledging to take the beef product off of its shelves, according to a story in The Morning Call.

According to the USDA, finely textured beef is a meat product derived from a process which separates fatty pieces from beef trimmings to reduce the overall fat content. Many use "food grade ammonium hydroxide gas" as part of that process, which appears to be a source of much of the consumer objection.

USDA continues to affirm the safety of lean finely textured beef product for all consumers and urges customers to consult science based information on the safety and quality of this product, www.usda.gov says.

and previously announced they would start offering beef that does not contain lean finely textured beef, according to ABC News.