Woolworths responds after shopper's bizarre claim about 'glue' steak
The supermarket has strongly denied a curious claim in a viral video that one of their steak products contained glue to bind it together.
Woolworths has responded after a shopper called into question the quality of the supermarket chain's meat with claims her steak had been "glued" together.
A shopper who purchased a $20 eye fillet steak from the retail giant claims their steak was held together with "meat glue" in a video showing a clear substance between the meat when pulled apart.
"Yuck hun, I don't even want to eat that," the woman said in the video.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain assured Yahoo News Australia that the company prides itself on providing high-quality meat and "can confirm our steaks are whole muscle".
"Eye fillet steak is a very lean cut of meat with minimal connective tissue which is what makes it so tender. This is why it is easy to pull apart when pressure is applied," the spokesperson explained.
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What is meat glue?
Meat glue, also known as transglutaminase is a food additive used as a binding agent as well as improving the texture and appearance of processed meats.
The ingredient, approved for use in food manufacturing in Australia, may be present in the manufacturing of bakery and other cereal-based products like pasta and noodles. According to an approval document by the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, it can also be used in cheese, egg substitutes, as well as fish and meat products.
The video, which has since been deleted, was viewed by millions and prompted thousands of responses. Many were quick to suggest that the woman's accusations were incorrect.
Eye fillets are one of the most tender cuts of beef around, with low-fat content which means that it's easier to spot the connective tissue such as ligaments, tendons and the collagen membranes that hold the muscle together.
The cut comes from a small section near the ribs and the muscles in this area undergo minimal exertion, making it a high-quality cut.
Woolworths praised for major meat move
Late last year, Woolworths was praised for announcing it would soon source only deforestation-free products for its supermarkets, following a similar announcement from competitor Aldi.
In its annual report released in August, Woolworths set a target to go completely deforestation-free by 2025, as required by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Applauding the move, Greenpeace Australia Pacific said Woolies' commitment is a "big and significant step" towards addressing "the destruction of our forests and native wildlife".
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia at the time, a Woolworths spokeswoman said the company was "committed to sourcing beef sustainably".
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