Journalists working at Marler's publication, Seattle-based
Food Safety News, received a subpoena from lawyers representing Beef Products Inc., Dakota Dunes, SD. Marler said he believes the communications are privileged, but he gave BPI lawyers a list of e-mails sent betweenFood Safety Newsand ABC reporters, according to news reports. Marler also is a partner in the MarlerClark law firm in Seattle.
BPI launched a $1 billion lawsuit against ABC News over the network's coverage of lean finely textured beef (LFTB). Critics called the product "pink slime".Food Safety Newsand other news organizations reported the story. BPI's lawyers have been seeking information from news organizations as part of its defamation lawsuit.
