Source:  Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/4/10

The American Veal Association has adopted a statement of ethical principles and a code of conduct to articulate the industry's commitment to humane handling, ethical conduct and sustainable production methods.

"Veal producers recognize that consumers, restaurants, retailers and policy makers want to know that they can count on the veal industry to provide humane care and sustainable practices," AVA President Chip Lines-Burgess said in a news release. "By adopting and embracing these principles, we can help our consumers and customers better understand our commitment to producing safe, nutritious food, protecting the environment, caring for our animals, providing a safe, rewarding work environment and contributing to our communities."

The AVA represents 1,000 producers, processors and others involved in the $1.5 billion U.S. veal industry.

Development of the documents was a project of a veal checkoff-funded committee of the association. The draft language was distributed throughout the veal industry with a survey for feedback, and the final document was submitted to delegates to the association's annual meeting in January.

In May 2007, the AVA's Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution calling for all U.S. veal farms to transition to group housing systems by Dec. 31, 2017. Now, the AVA estimates that about one-third of veal calves are raised in group housing.

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