McDonalds Menu Drive-Thru (photo by Karina Monticone).

Word had recently spread that McDonalds had been using ammonium hydroxide, other wise known as “pink slime” and boneless beef trimmings in the production of making their hamburgers.

The beef trimmings are consisted of what is left of the meat after all the choice cuts of meats have been taken. The trimmings are banned for human consumption in the U.K., and is instead used for dog and chicken food. The trimming’s are leagal for consumption in the U.S., but it is treated with ammonium hydroxide in order to kill off bacteria such as E. coli which then makes it safe for consumption by humans.

Ammonium hydroxide is a chemical also used in fertilizers, household cleaners and even some explosives.

According to abcnews.go.com, the “pink slime” had been brought to the nations attention by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver on an episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.

McDonalds denies that the reason for stopping the use of the “pink slime” was not because of Oliver’s show, but that the decision had been in the works long before. McDonalds issued a statement claiming, “At the beginning of 2011, we made a decision to discontinue the use of ammonia-treated beef in our hamburgers.  This product has been out of our supply chain since August of last year.”

Fast food chains Burger King and Taco Bell have also reportedly discontiuned the use of boneless leen beef trimmings in their food.