By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Editor

After three weeks in a South Dakota courtroom, the “pink slime” trial is over.

Before ABC could present its defense, the news organization and Beef Products Incorporated (BPI), the plaintiff, reportedly reached an amicable settlement.
An attorney for BPI told CNN Money his clients were “extraordinarily pleased” to reach a settlement.

In a statement, ABC said it stands by its reporting, but has concluded litigation is not in the company’s interests.

“Throughout this case, we have maintained that our reports accurately presented the facts and views of knowledgeable people about this product,” the statement said . “We remain committed to the vigorous pursuit of truth and the consumer’s right to know about the products they purchase.”

BPI filed the suit in 2012 claiming ABC’s coverage of lean, finely textured beef (LFTB) as “pink slime” misled consumers into believing LFTB is unhealthy and unsafe.

“Through nearly 200 false, misleading and defamatory statements, repeated continuously during a month-long disinformation campaign, ABC and other individuals knowingly misled consumers into believing that LFTB was not beef and not safe for public consumption, which is completely false,” Dan Webb, a lawyer representing BPI, said.

BPI alleged ABC and others launched a “concerted disinformation campaign against the companies, which had a significant adverse effect on BPI’s reputation, as well as a significant negative financial impact on the companies.”

After the segments aired, BPI said its revenue dropped $520 million per year, causing the company to close three of its plants and lay off more than 700 employees.

Sales of LFTB declined from about five million pounds per week to less than two million pounds per week.

According to ABC, it noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture deems LFTB is safe to eat in each news segment.

BPI sought $1.9 billion in damages, but could have been awarded three times that under South Dakota law.

The terms of the agreement between BPI and ABC remain confidential.

LFTB is 100 percent beef. According to BPI, it is “simply the lean beef trimmed from sirloins, rib-eyes and other whole muscle cuts of beef.” No organs, tendons, bones or other fillers are used.

Mixing the whole muscle cuts of beef creates a wide variety of ground beef and keeps it both affordable and available, per BPI.