Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) is a program to ensure that veal calves are cared for with ethical management practices that will result in a safe, wholesome, consistent quality veal product for the consumer. Specifically, VQA is designed to enhance carcass quality by preventing residues, pathogen contamination and carcass defects, such as injection site blemishes and bruises. The national Veal Quality Assurance Program is based on recommended guidelines and scientific research. Most recently, the VQA Program animal care standards have been adopted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture as part of their minimal animal care guidelines.

The Veal Quality Assurance program is unique to animal agriculture in that it includes commitment and participation of all segments of the veal industry. Currently these programs are voluntary - but the acceptance of the program among the different industry segments (beginning with producers) has been exceptional, and the entire industry will continue to strive for 100 percent involvement in the certification program. The VQA program includes family veal farmers, local veterinarians, veal feed companies, veal animal health suppliers, veal packers, and the American Veal Association (AVA) working together to provide the safest product possible for our clients - the consumer.