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The Daily Insight

Why is Kobe beef illegal in America?

Author

Ava Richardson

Updated on May 08, 2026

Why is Kobe beef illegal in America?

Beef consumption remained low until after World War II. In 2009, the USDA placed a ban on the import of all Japanese beef to prevent the Japan foot-and-mouth outbreak from reaching US shores. The ban was relaxed in August 2012 and thereafter Kobe beef was imported into the US.

Can you get real Wagyu beef in the US?

You can only buy Japanese Wagyu in the U.S. in extremely limited supply. The takeaway is this: 100% (by DNA) Wagyu animals are incredibly rare in the U.S. Authentic Wagyu beef from Japan is rarer.

How can I tell if my Kobe beef is real?

The taste and texture of Wagyu are exclusive and unique, and the fat should melt at just below body temperate – meaning it should melt in the mouth. It should have a buttery aroma and be tender and succulently juicy, but not soggy.

Is Costco Wagyu beef real?

Wagyu beef visually identifiable by it’s even and gorgeously “marbled” fat, rendering unrivaled tenderness. The Japanese Costco Wagyu Beef Grade A5 New York and Ribeye Steaks are real, authentic Grade A5 Japanese Wagyu imported from Japan. You can see the difference, and we think you will taste the difference.

How expensive is Kobe beef?

A cut of legitimate Kobe beef will cost a diner around $200, and a Kobe burger is around $50. What is it about Kobe beef that makes it such a delicacy? Its unparalleled flavor, texture, and tenderness make it a particular indulgence for fine beef connoisseurs.

Is Walmart Wagyu beef real?

Is Walmart Wagyu real? No, Walmart Wagyu is not real Japanese Wagyu. They breed Wagyu cattle with American cattle as Wagyu only needs around 46% Wagyu genetics to be sold as Wagyu in a retail store.

Where does Walmart Wagyu beef come from?

Most of Walmart’s Wagyu beef products are labeled as ‘American Wagyu’ so presumably, their meat is coming from American cattle farms and not Japan.

How much is Kobe beef in the US?

What’s better wagyu or Kobe?

Because Kobe beef exemplifies everything that makes Wagyu better! It is considered the most abundantly marbled beef in the world. To be labelled Kobe, cattle must meet stringent standards upon slaughter. Due to these stringent standards, only 3,000 head of cattle qualify as authentic Kobe cattle each year.

Which supermarkets sell Wagyu?

Aldi sources its Wagyu beef from Warrendale Farms, which is the largest producer of British Wagyu beef, producing more than 4,000 animals across its main site and 125 partner farms around the UK.

Is marketside Wagyu beef real?

No, Walmart Wagyu is not real Japanese Wagyu. They breed Wagyu cattle with American cattle as Wagyu only needs around 46% Wagyu genetics to be sold as Wagyu in a retail store.