USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced changes to improve humane handling inspections at facilities that produce veal meat.
With this change, FSIS will begin to require that veal calves that are brought to slaughter, but cannot rise and walk be promptly and humanely euthanized, and prohibited from entering the food supply. Previously, FSIS allowed veal calves that are unable to rise from a recumbent position to be set aside and warmed or rested, and presented for slaughter if they regain the ability to walk. FSIS has found that this practice may contribute to the inhumane treatment of the veal calves. This change would improve compliance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act by encouraging improved treatment of veal calves, as well as improve inspection efficiency by allowing FSIS inspection program personnel to devote more time to activities related to food safety.