# Plain Language Summary: Bison Naming Bill

This bill clarifies what the word "bison" means on food labels and packaging. Right now, there's some confusion in food labeling rules about what can legally be called "bison" when it's sold as meat or food products. This bill makes it clear that "bison" refers to the meat from American bison (also called buffalo), and it ensures that companies selling bison meat follow the same labeling rules as other meat products under federal food safety laws.

The practical effect is that if you buy something labeled as bison meat, you'll know it's actually from bison and not some other animal. The bill also makes sure that bison producers and sellers follow the same federal food safety standards that apply to beef, pork, and other meats. This protects consumers from misleading labels and ensures that bison products meet the same health and safety requirements as other meat products you buy at the grocery store.

For bison farmers and meat producers, this bill provides legal clarity about how they can label and sell their products. Instead of dealing with confusing or inconsistent rules, they now have a clear definition of what "bison" means in the eyes of federal food regulators. This makes it easier for them to comply with the law and helps level the playing field between bison producers and producers of more traditional meats like beef.

A bill to provide clarification regarding the common or usual name for bison and compliance with section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and for other purposes.

Hoeven, John

This bill prohibits the sale of food that contains water buffalo and is labeled as buffalo unless the specific term used in the labeling is water buffalo.