Tesco Pledges To Phase Out Imported Veal

Mon, 21 Jan 2008
 
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Tesco has promised to phase out its sales of imported veal and replace it with British meat from calves bred to higher welfare standards .

Tesco said the move is possible due to an agreement between farmers, which supply the retailer with milk, not to export their dairy calves . This means the calves will remain in the British supply chain instead of being reared overseas.

Britain’s largest supermarket chain said its beef suppliers were set to take on dairy calves from the 930 dairy farmers who have agreed not to sell their animals for export .

"The fact that these calves will stay in the UK is good news for British farmers and shoppers alike because it makes a lot more top quality British beef available," commented Kari Daniels, Tesco’s dairy category director .

"In addition shoppers will be able to buy British veal - which will be reared to high welfare standards. Calves will have straw beds, a balanced diet and access to plenty of natural daylight," Daniels added.

Shoppers at Tesco stores will be able to buy rose veal from British-reared calves once the supermarket giant’s phase-out of imported veal has begun in April.

Rose veal is produced from animals reared in conditions that meet the welfare standards of both Compassion in World Farming and the RSPCA . These include being reared in well-lit barns and fed a natural diet .

Imported veal has caused anger amongst animal rights campaigners who state that calves reared for white veal abroad are being kept in cramped conditions.

In response to the announcement, Rowen West-Henzell, food policy manager at Compassion in World Farming said: "As the UK's biggest supermarket, we're thrilled that Tesco has acted on an issue that is dear to the heart of the British public and of huge significance to farm animals ."

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