Advisory Letter to Stakeholders Regarding the Use of Hormonal Growth Implants in Veal Calves

On April 2, 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration published a guidance document on the use of unapproved growth implants in veal calves. The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service found evidence that there had been unapproved use of hormonal implants in veal calves. The US took action to further preclude the use of these implants in veal calves. In the US, the use of growth hormones in calves intended for veal production is illegal.

Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have advised veterinarians, producer associations and other key stakeholders that growth promoting hormonal products have not been approved in Canada in any form for use in milk-fed, grain-fed or grass-fed calves intended for veal production.

For further information please view the following documents:

Letter to Veterinarians and Producer Associations

For Your Information: Growth Hormones