Woolworths hits back after shopper's shocking 'glue' steak accusation

A recent claim about a popular supermarket's steak product has stirred up quite a controversy, leaving many questioning what’s really going on behind the scenes.

What started as a seemingly harmless shopper video quickly spiraled into a heated debate, with some wondering if there's more to the story than meets the eye.

The response from the retailer has done little to settle the buzz, with new revelations adding fuel to the fire.


Woolworths has responded after a shopper raised concerns about the quality of its meat, claiming that a $20 eye fillet steak had been ‘glued’ together.


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Woolworths clears up ‘glued’ steak controversy. Image source: Getty/Getty Images News


The shopper, who posted a video showing a clear substance between the meat when pulled apart, expressed her disgust.

'Yuck hun, I don't even want to eat that,' she said.

A Woolworths spokesperson clarified in a statement that the company takes pride in offering high-quality meat. The spokesperson assured that the steaks were 'whole muscle' cuts.

'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.


The viral video, which was later deleted, sparked a flurry of reactions, with many defending the supermarket chain and pointing out that the woman’s claims were unfounded.

What the shopper had mistaken for 'meat glue' was actually the connective tissue in the steak, which is particularly visible in tender cuts like the eye fillet.

These cuts come from a less-exerted area of the animal, which contributes to their quality.


Meat glue, also known as transglutaminase, is a food additive that acts as a binding agent. It is used to improve the texture and appearance of processed meats.

It’s approved for use in various food products in Australia, including bakery items, pasta, and even cheese.

Despite the controversy, the issue was quickly debunked, as eye fillet steaks are known for their tenderness and lean composition.

The connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and collagen membranes, are often more noticeable in these cuts.


Woolworths also received praise for its commitment to sustainability.

Last year, the supermarket chain announced it would begin sourcing only deforestation-free products, a move that garnered support from environmental groups.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific lauded the initiative, calling it a 'big and significant step' toward addressing environmental concerns.

In an August report, Woolworths confirmed its goal to become entirely deforestation-free by 2025.

The company pledged to source beef sustainably, aligning with the Science-Based Targets Initiative's (SBTi) guidelines.

Key Takeaways
  • A shopper posted a video claiming that a Woolworths eye fillet steak was held together with 'meat glue'.
  • Woolworths responded, clarifying that their steaks are 'whole muscle' cuts and explained the visible substance was connective tissue.
  • Meat glue, or transglutaminase, is an approved binding agent used in food production, but it was not present in the steak.
  • The incident sparked viral reactions, with many defending Woolworths and debunking the shopper's claim.

What do you think – was the steak really "glued" or just a misunderstanding? Share your thoughts in the comments.
 

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I used to always buy the eye fillet from woolworths but I have noticed overnthe last 12 months it is definitely not up to it's usual standard. Used to be a pack of 2 pieces but it was very bitty and not 2 nice pieces and didn't cook nicely either. I have started buying it from Aldi and it js cheaper and 2 pieces and is beautiful and tender. Highly recommend it.
 
What makes me laugh about this is the person that did the video is NOT a butcher and therefore has ZERO idea about the cuts of meat and chose to make a fool of herself! Why are people so hell bent on their 5 minutes of fame when they could have just taken it back and asked the question? Wake up people!!
 
I live on rib eye and I can say the glue they use often separates very easily even while cooking , whereas the real rib eye product does separate but not while cooking and not real easy when eating I always buy my rib eye from the butchers these days. im very doubtful of supermarket mince...it doesn't go off!...that bothers me
 
I buy all my meat from our local butcher…I have never come across this “glue” problem, would have been good to see an actual picture of what this person was on about!!

She has had her five minutes of fame, probably received free meat…just go away!!
It actually brings up topics of conversation so no need to becso harsh and that is what this forum is all about
 
I shopped at Woolworths last November and bought some pork steaks. When I got home and opened the cryopack, they were just end pieces of the steaks. NOT happy I can tell you. Will never buy any meat again from them again.
 
I live on rib eye and I can say the glue they use often separates very easily even while cooking , whereas the real rib eye product does separate but not while cooking and not real easy when eating I always buy my rib eye from the butchers these days. im very doubtful of supermarket mince...it doesn't go off!...that bothers me
 

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