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According to ABC News, Beef Products Inc. (BPI) reminded consumers  that the product, touted as "100 percent beef in every regard, from quality to nutrition," is backed by the USDA.

"'Pink slime' doesn't exist," said Jeff Carlson of BPI. "'Pink slime' never existed in any way, shape or form."

Recently the ground beef filler, nicknamed "pink slime," has come under fire for its use of ammonia as an additive to kill bacteria in the meat scraps.

After a USDA scientist unmasked the process behind the slime, consumers rebelled against the mystery meat by creating YouTube videos and online petitions. In response to the overwhelming negative attention, government and industry insiders caved under the pressure and switched their practices, said the Chicago Tribune.

One petition in particular, hosted by Texas mother Bettina Siegal on Change.org, called for schools to stop buying "pink slime" for school lunches.

"It was incredible," said Brianna Cayo Cotter of Change.org. "In 10 days she made the USDA, the meat industry and major retailers all back away from it." 

The negative publicity spread so quickly, Tyson Foods Inc. said the demand for beef will decrease, causing a 2 percent to 3 percent reduction in supply. The company believes this will result in a price hike for consumers, said the Washington Post.

Fallout continues to hit BPI hard. On Monday the company shut down production in three of its four plants for 60 days. Over 650 people will face temporary job displacement as a result, said Reuters.

In an effort to support BPI, five governors from Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota will visit the remaining plant in South Sioux City, Neb. on Thursday. According to the Associated Press, the governors hope to prove their confidence in the beef's quality to consumers.

Reach Amanda Martinez here