Have you ever been at the grocery store, looking for ground bison, and come across something labeled just "ground buffalo"? You might think they're the same thing, but there's a big difference between bison and water buffalo meat.
In the United States, there's a growing concern about the deceptive labeling of water buffalo meat. Water buffalo meat is often cheaper than bison meat, and some retailers may try to pass it off as bison to increase profits. This can be confusing for consumers who are looking for the health and environmental benefits of bison meat.
The National Bison Association is working to pass the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act. This Act would require that water buffalo products be labeled as water buffalo, not just buffalo. This would help consumers avoid confusion and support the American bison industry.
How to Avoid Buying Water Buffalo Instead of Bison
When you're shopping for bison meat, look for the label carefully. The product should be labeled specifically as "bison" or "American bison." If the label says "buffalo," it could be water buffalo meat. Unfortunately, while we wait for this bill to be approved, the best thing to do would be to:
Ask the butcher or store manager if they can tell you the difference between the two meats.
Buy and support local ranch like JJ Bison so you know exactly where your meat is coming from and what it is.
How to Support the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act, S. 258 and H.3866
From the National Bison Association:
By phone:
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and request your Senator or House representative.
Leave a message for your Senators and Representative like this:
“Hi, my name is ____ and I’m a constituent and a ____ [farmer, rancher, concerned citizen, etc.]. As your constituent, I’m concerned about the deceptive labeling of water buffalo and urge you to support our legislation that will fix this issue. Will you support bison ranchers and healthy herds by cosponsoring the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act? Thank you!”
By email:
Find your representative’s contact information here. https://www.congress.gov/members
Copy and paste the letter text for the House or Senate below, personalize it, and send it along.
See more differences between the two animals here.