BPI laying off 86 after 'pink slime' controversy Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 02:34 p.m., Monday, May 14, 2012 (AP) — The maker of the beef product dubbed "pink slime" by critics said Monday it was laying off 86 employees from its corporate office in South Dakota, citing what it calls a misinformation campaign about a product that food-industry experts agree is safe. BPI has said it took a "substantial" financial hit after social media exploded with worry over the product and an online petition sought its ouster from schools. The latest job cuts will hit the company's accounting, logistics, engineering and human resources departments, as well as a machine and assembly shop in South Sioux City, Neb. Eldon Roth, a company co-founder, said BPI has worked for the last 30 years to produce the "safest, highest-quality, all-natural lean beef that has been enjoyed by millions of Americans."