A federal judge overseeing a $1.2 billion defamation lawsuit filed by a Beef Products Inc. against ABC News has recused himself from the case. Judge Lawrence L. Piersol recused himself from the case that is being heard in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. The case has been reassigned to Chief Judge Karen Schreier.

Dakota Dunes, S.D.-based BPI sued ABC News Inc. in September for defamation over its coverage of the company’s lean, finely textured beef that critics dub "pink slime." The meat processor claims the network damaged the company by misleading consumers into believing the product is unhealthy and unsafe. It's seeking $1.2 billion in damages.

Source: Associated Press