Foie gras soon to be banned in Europe?
The citizens and groups supporting the Manifesto for the abolition of foie gras call attention to the unescapable ban of force-feeding -hence, of foie gras production.
"No animal shall be provided with food or liquid in a manner (...) which may cause unnecessary suffering or injury."
Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998.
"Methods of feeding and feed additives which cause distress, injury or disease to the ducks [and geese] or may result in development of physical or physiological conditions detrimental to their health and welfare shall not be permitted."
European Recommendations concerning ducks and geese used for the production of foie gras of 22 June 1999.
Foie gras is the pathological liver of a bird suffering from hepatic steatosis.
European Commission Scientific report of 16 December 1998.
Diarrhoea, panting, walking difficulties, lesions and inflammations of the neck are daily realities.
Force-feeding has already been banned in most European Union countries. It has been banned since January 1, 1999 in Poland. It has just been banned in Italy, Israel and California on grounds of cruelty. In Chicago selling foie gras, including in restaurants, has just been banned on same grounds.
Foie gras violates the principles of the European Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes.
