Files
Abstract
On March 7, 2012, ABC News aired a report on the use
of lean, finely textured beef (LFTB), or “pink slime” as its
reporters dubbed it. Although this was not the first time
LFTB had been the subject of negative criticism on a national
scale, the attention is no longer just coming from
traditional media outlets (television, radio, and newspaper),
but also from social media sources (Facebook, blogs,
and Twitter). Of particular importance is the influence this
reaction has had on the financial performance of agribusiness
firms in the food supply chain. If image is everything
and perception is reality, particularly as it relates to food
safety, then agribusiness firms might be in for some challenges.
Food and agribusiness firms will need to be prepared
to react every time a food safety issue receives attention
in social media irrespective of how these images and
perceptions are generated.