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 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
OMG!!
They don't use glue on any steak, read the story properly!
 
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Reactions: Leenie
butchers have often done this in the past, I have seen it done in Woolies and also Coles over the years, they do it to make it look like one piece or to make it more pleasing to the eye

ooh now I feel sick.
Sorry couldn’t resist it my mother made me do it 🤣
 
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Reactions: Jo Piper3
It actually brings up topics of conversation so no need to becso harsh and that is what this forum is all about
Also creates awareness, good to keep on eye on shonky supermarket tactics, coz nothing is surprising with those greedy buggas!
 
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Reactions: Leenie
I think that the lady needs to open her eyes and look at several cuts of meat before making any false accusations of any foods' provider. Accusing any food provider of using glue or any other combining agents to bolster a food product without full product disclosure and notification is slander and likely to get the accuser into legal hot water.
 

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