Document type: Answer to Question E-000948/2023 from the European Commission
Authors: question: Sarah Wiener (Greens/EFA). Answer: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Answer: Iron-deficiency anemia is one of the major welfare hazards for white veal calves. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Scientific Opinion concluded that there are very few accessible data on the prevalence of anemia in the white veal farming sector[1]. Nevertheless, based on precautionary principle, EFSA recommends that measures should be implemented to avoid the hemoglobin of less than 5.3 millimole/liter in calf blood.
1. There is no requirement for collection of data on feeding of calves at the EU level. Such data is therefore not readily available to the Commission.
The information on transport of calves is available to the Commission via the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) platform providing electronic veterinary certification for trade of animals within the EU as well as imports and exports[2].
2. The Commission is currently carefully assessing policy options to improve welfare of this category of animals. The issue of anemia of calves is given due consideration in relation to the upcoming revision of the EU legislation. In doing so, the Commission is taking into account the scientific opinion provided by EFSA, as well as the relevant economic and social considerations.
