Mislabeling
The proliferation of beef outside of Japan marketed as the Kobe beef is a troubling issue for Kobe beef farmers. Much like how sparkling wine may not be labeled "Champagne" unless it is produced in the Champagne region of France, the same is true in regard to "genuine" Kobe beef. Kobe beef comes from a specific breed and genetic lineage of cattle raised in the Hyogo prefecture according to the standards set by Kobe Beef Distribution and Promotion Council. This council also sets the rules regarding foreign exportation of Kobe beef and has tightly restricted trade with the exception of export to Macau and Hong Kong.
The import of Japanese beef into other countries is also tightly restricted, the US in particular, where from 2010 to 2012 the sale of it was illegal due to restrictions put in place by the USDA regarding concerns about foot-and-mouth disease found in some Japanese cattle in 2010.. Limited imports to the US have since been approved .
However, due to a lack of regulation which would enforce protection and recognition of the Kobe beef trademark, there are many opportunities to purchase beef that is labeled or passed off as Kobe beef, taking advantage of the public's ignorance of what it takes to make beef that is legitimately Kobe beef, in effect defrauding unwary consumers and the true Japanese Kobe beef industry.
Read more about this topic: Kobe Beef