HOLCOMB, Kan. (AP) About 220 western Kansas students have parents who work at a closed processing plant that produces a beef product known by its critics as “pink slime.”
The Garden City Telegram reported that the number of affected students comes from administrators in the Garden City and Holcomb districts.
Officials at Beef Products Inc. announced Monday that production had stopped at its Holcomb; Amarillo, Texas; and Waterloo, Iowa, plants.
The plants produce what’s known in the industry as “lean, finely textured beef,” but is referred to as “pink slime” by those seeking to have it banned.
The suspension of operations at the Holcomb plant has caused a loss of 236 local jobs.
Employees will receive full salary and benefits until May 25. It’s unclear whether the closings will be permanent.