Dairy
Buy organic or Freedom Food dairy products
Organic dairy farming encourages better welfare and better breeding in dairy cattle to reduce problems like lameness and mastitis.
RSPCA’s Freedom Food dairy standard ensures cows have access to pasture in season and lower stocking densities.
Currently, only Soil Association organic, Freedom Food and own-label Tesco milk ensures that the male dairy calves have not been exported on long journeys to continental veal farms.
While there is no guarantee that male dairy calves have not been shot at birth, some supermarkets like Tesco, ASDA, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s have begun joining up their beef farmers with their dairy farmers so that male dairy calves can be reared on as part of their beef or, in some cases, veal supply. The Soil Association is also addressing the issue by ensuring their producers commit to ending the practice within a reasonable and realistic time-frame.
Whilst there is as yet no 'calf friendly' label on milk and dairy products, many big retailers and certification schemes are taking positive steps which should be supported and commended.
When you're eating out, remember the milk in your coffee or the cheese in your sandwich is unlikely to be organic unless it says so on the menu. Talk to the manager and see if they are willing to change their dairy supplier so that bull calves are not shot at birth or exported to the continent.
You can help protect the welfare of Europe’s dairy cows by joining the campaign to support better dairy.
Find out more about cows and their calves here.
