Veal Industry Reacts to Consumers' Negative Perceptions

For years the veal industry has lost the war in the land of public opinion on how veal calves are raised.  In the Jan. 30 Veal Council meeting, discussion centered on alternative production practices that would address consumer concerns about calves confined in stalls with tethers. 

Recently, the New Jersey legislature addressed veal production practices by proposing to outlaw traditional methods of raising veal calves even though no veal calves are raised in New Jersey.  It is a concern of the industry that this legislation will be discussed in other states. 

“I will remind you that in your Veal Industry Long Range Plan you agreed to look at alternative production practices,” said Paul Slayton, administrator, American Veal Association.  “I urge you to look at this.”

“We’ve got the opportunity now to make some changes to do it under our terms, under our timetable,” said Bryan Scott Oedzes, Brown Packing.  “Let’s not do it kicking or screaming.”

Changes proposed

At the Joint Veal Committee meeting that followed, Charlene Walker-Walsh, general manager of the Nashville Palm restaurant, shared her staff’s perceptions on how veal calves are raised.  “They are chained to a stall with a stirrup around their neck and force fed,” she said.

The issue will next be addressed by the industry at the American Veal Association’s annual meeting in March.  Loose housing will soon be the required method of production in Europe.  Several council members felt it was better to change practices proactively than be mandated by law.  Estimates based on European production state that it will cost 18 percent more to produce veal using loose housing. 

“There will be casualties but look at the long-term health of this industry,” said Steven Kraut, chairman of the Veal Council and a Wisconsin veal producer.  “It’s something we have to do.”