Farm Animals

Veal Calf Welfare Reform

Veal production has reformed significantly in many countries, but welfare problems remain in some production systems and markets.

Key Facts

Traditional white veal production restricted calves individually in dark crates with iron-deficient diets
The EU banned veal crates in 2007 requiring group housing and access to fibrous food
Rose veal uses male dairy calves raised in groups with better nutrition until approximately 35 weeks
Traditional white veal is still produced in some markets outside the EU

Welfare Considerations

Traditional veal production deliberately caused anemia, muscle weakness, and social isolation to produce pale tender meat, representing deliberate welfare deprivation for product quality. EU reforms have significantly improved veal welfare, while rose veal programs provide much better welfare than traditional production. Continued market pressure can drive remaining welfare improvements in veal production.

What You Can Do

Choose rose or rose veal over white veal or avoid veal entirely
Advocate against the import of traditional white veal produced under banned conditions
Support EU veal standards as a model for global improvement
Recognize that supporting rose veal can improve welfare for male dairy calves who would otherwise be killed at birth