WASHINGTON, D.C. – Labeling confusion can lead some consumers to buy buffalo meat they think is bison, but is actually made up of water buffalo.
Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the labeling of U.S. bison products and prevent water buffalo products from being deceptively labeled as buffalo.
In addition to Hoeven and Bennet, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).
The Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with authority to ensure that products with water buffalo are marketed as “water buffalo” so consumers aren’t misled to believe the product contains bison, which is commonly referred to as buffalo in the United States. Bison products would continue to be labeled as “bison” or “buffalo”.
“Accurate labeling of bison products is not only good for consumers, but good for producers as well, and this legislation promotes transparency by ensuring products are properly labeled,” said Senator Hoeven.
“Colorado’s bison producers work hard to grow their markets and deliver high-quality meat. Misleading labeling undermines their efforts and deceives consumers,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bill helps support American bison producers and delivers transparency for consumers by requiring accurate labels for water buffalo products.”
A fact sheet from the National Bison Association says water buffalo is brought to the U.S. as a whole muscle meat and reprocessed in Food and Drug Administration approved facilities but is not being processed under U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service voluntary inspection. USDA regulations require any water buffalo processed under its inspections services to be properly and fully labeled. Because water buffalo is classified as a non-amenable species under federal law, it is not required to undergo inspection if that meat is produced in an FDA approved facility.
