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Will bacon become the new veal? In honor of Food Day, which occurs every October 24th, let’s consider the tale of two types of food industries maligned for their mistreatment of animals. This tale illustrates the contrast between two goliaths in our food system: both involved in similar abuses, both evoking consumer outcry, but each reacting in different ways.

For decades, calves in the veal industry were the iconic example of factory farming’s disregard for animals’ welfare: baby animals confined in tiny crates, unable to even turn around for the duration of their lives. The images of calves fighting to move just a few inches were gut-wrenching for even the most ardent carnivore. Consequently, millions rejected veal, restaurants stopped serving it, and states and countries legislated to ban it.

The industry tanked. Between 1950 and 2007, annual American veal consumption went from four pounds to half a pound.

Burdened by consumer and legislative backlash, the veal industry got the message. The American Veal Association pledged to rid its facilities of the notorious crates. That year, Randy Strauss, CEO of the world’s largest veal company called the crates “inhumane and archaic,” stating that they “do nothing more than subject a calf to stress, fear, physical harm, and pain.”

While the process of eliminating veal crates continues, the industry’s progress has been welcomed as a path toward fixing what the American public has deemed unacceptable. By letting its animals turn around, the veal industry has begun to turn its image around.