St. Petersburg, Florida -- Horsemeat found in some of the world's biggest brands has become a PR problem and the fodder of social media jokes.
While no horsemeat has been in any products sold in the U.S., Burger King, Nestle, Tesco and, most recently, IKEA have been linked to the meat overseas.
USA Today writer Bruce Horovitz says companies have to be able to look the consumer in the eye and say here's what's in my product.
"In a plugged in, social media world, everything that happens is everywhere. so you have people here in the U.S. going, "Wait a minute, is it cool for me to go to Ikea, and while I'm picking out some furniture get something to eat and get my kids those meatballs that they love?" He adds, "Be smart. Ask good questions."
Horovitz says the companies have to find a way to use social media wisely to get the word out about what's really in their products.
Click here to see social media memes related to the horsemeat scandal from Know Your Meme.
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