Councilmember Shocked To Discover That There Is Such Thing As The American Meat Institute*

The City Council again tackles the important issues:

One City Council member wants to outlaw a process called modified atmosphere packaging that allows meat to stay red even when it’s not so fresh.

“It’s clearly deceptive,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Queens). “People think they are buying meat that looks healthy, and it’s made that way artificially.”

But Janet Riley of the American Meat Institute said the process, which uses small amounts of carbon monoxide to extend the shelf life of meat, is safe and doesn’t mask spoiled food.

“You would absolutely know if the meat was spoiled,” Riley said. “It would be slimy, the package would be bulging and it would smell — that smell is unmistakable.”

*Another great band name!