Does Humane Veal Exist?
Australian calves at pasture. Photo: Mark Kolbe, Getty Images
Proponents of pasture-raised "rose veal" say that their veal is fundamentally different from the nightmarish image of animals kept in pens so small they are unable to move, and pumped full of antibiotics to stave off rampant infection, a.k.a. "white veal."
For years chefs have been complaining about the bland taste of pen-raised white veal, which are kept in crates so small they can't turn or lie down, and fed a diet of artificial milk. The main appeal, if you could get past the cruelty issue, was tenderness: you can cut it with the side of a fork. Rose veal has a more developed flavor because of a mixed diet of milk and grains, and the milk often actually comes from its mother. This kinder veal is growing in popularity with foodies, especially those who espouse whole animal, sustainable practices.
Many of our friends at PETA, and other animal-rights organizations, believe that we shouldn't be eating meat or drinking milk in the first place, but if you are, it's unspeakably cruel to take animals away from the mother at such a young age. Generally they make little or no distinction between pink and white veal.
Here's the thing: to get milk, cows have to get pregnant and give birth to a calf. Dairy farmers can raise female calves to join the herd, but male calves are usually not good enough to be raised as beef. However, they can be commercially viable when raised as veal. Also, people like the taste.
Veal happens, and it's going to keep happening.
Putting aside the vegan option of eliminating milk, and meat, as long as we have these animals, it makes sense to give them a humane and healthy life. Especially if it results in more nutritious and delicious food!
Where are you on the question of veal? Is it wicked if it's white, permissible if it's pink? Or do you just say no to baby cows?
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