FRED MEYER'S BUFFALO BILLED 'HEALTHY' ON KITCHEN RANGE

LAURA KLEPACKI

PORTLAND, Ore. -- "The Buffalo are back at Freddy's!"

So read an advertisement for Fred Meyer Inc. here, alerting area consumers that it is once again selling buffalo meat in its stores.

The ad drew attention to a four-day offer that ran last month. A meat department source at store level said the chain usually offers buffalo meat twice a year, and expected the specie to be offered again in September or October. The chain's spokesman could not be reached for comment.

The ad featured a variety of cuts, along with cooking tips. Items included ground buffalo for $3.48 a pound, seven-bone or blade cut chuck roast for $4.48 a pound, boneless roasts for $4.98 per pound, full-cut round steak at $4.98 a pound, rib steak 4-inch cut at $6.48 per pound, and porterhouse, T-bone or boneless top sirloin for $6.98 a pound.

Copy also described the similarities between buffalo and beef. "If you have yet to try fresh buffalo, you'll discover that the hearty taste is similar to beef, only with a richer flavor," the ad read.

Nutritional information was also noted. "Buffalo has often been called the 'original health food,' because it's higher in protein, yet lower in fat and cholesterol than many other meats. Plus, with less than 50 calories per ounce, it's great for calorie-counters who want a lean, satisfying meal," according to the ad.

Fred Meyer also said the buffalo were raised without hormones or feed additives.