Intensive Farming

Veal Calf Welfare Reform

Veal production historically involved severe welfare compromises now being reformed through improved standards and alternative systems.

Key Facts

Traditional white veal production involved isolation and iron-deficient feeding
Group housing and higher iron diets are now required in many EU countries
Rose veal from beef calves raised on farms has better welfare outcomes
UK and EU reforms have substantially improved minimum veal welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

Traditional veal production kept calves in individual stalls, iron-deficient to maintain pale meat color, causing anemia and severe behavioral deprivation. Progressive reforms have improved these conditions substantially, but variation between systems remains. Rose veal and group-housed veal systems demonstrate that acceptable welfare and production are compatible.

What You Can Do

Choose rose veal or group-housed veal where beef veal is purchased
Avoid imported veal from countries with weaker welfare standards
Support labeling requirements for veal production system transparency
Learn about the welfare improvements in reformed veal systems