The decision was made in the wake of requests from industry and from member states for clearer rules to reflect the different production systems in different member states. It will serve to clarify the rules for processors who may source veal from a variety of EU countries with differing definitions.

"The aim is to improve the transparency on the market and to help consumers to recognise precisely what they are buying," the Commission stated in announcing the changes.

The new rules will require the use of fixed labelling descriptions for veal sold in the various member states and sets the marketing and production conditions for meat from bovine animals aged twelve months or less.

The labelling will be coupled with an indication of the age category of the animals at slaughter.

The change follows a lengthy consultation with industry and consumers about their understanding of the term 'veal'.

There are two major types of production systems in use throughout the bloc. In some countries veal must come from animals fed mainly on milk and milk products and which are slaughtered before the age of eight months.

Source: foodproductiondaily.com