How to Buy Real Wagyu: Avoiding Fakes and Scams

The Fake Wagyu Problem

The wagyu market has a serious authenticity problem:

• "Kobe beef" on US menus was largely fake before 2012
• "Wagyu" is not a protected term in America
• Crossbred cattle are marketed as "wagyu"
• Grades and origins are frequently misrepresented

Red Flags to Watch

Immediate disqualification:

• "Kobe" beef under $150/lb
• "A5 Wagyu" under $100/lb for steaks
• Restaurant "Kobe burgers" or "Kobe sliders"
• No origin, genetics, or grade information
• Prices that seem too good to be true

Proceed with caution:

• "Wagyu-style" or "Kobe-style" (means nothing)
• "Wagyu blend" (mixed with regular beef)
• "American Kobe" (not real Kobe)
• No BMS or grade specified
• Generic "wagyu" with no details

Verifying Japanese Wagyu

Authentic A5 Japanese Wagyu should have:

• Certificate of authenticity with nose print
• 10-digit ID number traceable to the animal
• Prefecture of origin (Miyazaki, Kagoshima, etc.)
• BMS score (8-12 for A5)
• Import documentation (USDA approved facilities)

Verifying Kobe Beef

• Only 9 US restaurants and a handful of distributors are certified Kobe retailers
• Ask for the 10-digit certification number
• Check the [Kobe Beef Marketing Association](https://www.kobe-niku.jp/en/) website
• Expect to pay $200+/lb minimum

Buying American Wagyu

Since "wagyu" isn't regulated in the US, you need to verify:

Ask these questions:

• What percentage wagyu? (F1=50%, Fullblood=100%)
• What breed cross? (Typically Wagyu × Angus)
• What's the BMS or internal grade?
• Who raised the cattle?

Trusted American Producers:

• Snake River Farms — Own production, clear grading
• Mishima Reserve — 100% American Fullblood
• Lone Mountain — Fullblood program

Buying Australian Wagyu

Australian wagyu is better regulated. Look for:

Key Information:

• Fullblood vs crossbred (huge quality difference)
• MSA marble score (600-1100+)
• Producer name (Blackmore, Mayura, Jack's Creek)
• Feeding program (days on grain)

Trusted Australian Producers:

• Blackmore Wagyu — Fullblood, 500+ days grain-fed
• Mayura Station — Fullblood, ultra-premium
• Jack's Creek — Various grades, good value

Where NOT to Buy Wagyu

Avoid:

• Random Amazon sellers
• Wholesale clubs (usually mislabeled)
• Generic restaurant menus (no verification)
• Too-cheap online deals
• Anyone who can't answer basic questions

My Buying Checklist

Before purchasing, confirm:

• [ ] Origin clearly stated (Japan/US/Australia)
• [ ] Genetics specified (Fullblood/F1/percentage)
• [ ] Grade or BMS provided
• [ ] Producer/farm identified
• [ ] Price aligns with quality claims
• [ ] Seller can answer detailed questions

If a seller can't provide this information, shop elsewhere. The reputable wagyu market is transparent about sourcing.