Press Release: Commission proposes to clarify the use of the sales description ‘veal’

The European Commission has tabled a proposal to clarify the marketing conditions for meat from bovine animals aged twelve months or less. The proposal would require the use of fixed sales descriptions for these meats in the various Member States coupled with an indication of the age of the animals at slaughter. The proposal aims to improve the transparency on the market and to help consumers to recognise precisely what they are buying. It follows lengthy discussions with all interested parties, including a recent internet consultation. It comes in the wake of requests from the trade and from Member States for clearer rules to reflect the different production systems in different Member States. Once adopted by Council, this regulation should enhance the functioning of the Single Market and provide better information for consumers.