Ammonia treatment which was thought to kill harmful germs in meat is not very effective, according to the Government.

Salmonella and E. coli were found dozens of times in testing for the federal school lunch program on ammonia-treated beef from Beef Products Inc.

But media has lined out some facts on U.S. beef safety. The reports showed that since 2000, E. coli has decreased around 45% in ground beef whereas Salmonella has lowered by 50%. The restaurant chains like McDonald's Corp. and Burger King Holdings Inc and the beef processors also defended the beef safety.

"McDonald's food safety and quality assurance standards are among the highest in the industry”, said Susan Forsell, vice president of quality systems at the Oakbrook, Illinois-based Company.

Agricultural conglomerate Cargill challenged the US department of Agriculture by saying that the company does testing beyond standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.