MEP appalled by evidence of foie gras force feeding
January 14, 2009 5:35 PM
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP
Local Euro MP Liz Lynne has renewed her call for an EU-wide ban on foie gras production after a charity uncovered new evidence of the suffering caused to geese and ducks being force fed on farms in Hungary.
An investigation by animal charity Four Paws into Hungarian production of the traditional French 'delicacy', produced by artificially fattening of birds livers by force feeding, found that many birds were seriously ill. As a result of overfeeding, many needed antibiotics to survive and were being subjected to serious suffering.
Hungary is the world's second largest producer of foie gras behind France itself. Most other EU countries have banned its production. In the UK production of foie gras is banned but it is still legal to import it.
Liz Lynne has been a long time campaigner on animal welfare issues. In 2004 she called for an EU wide ban on foie gras.
Today Liz renewed these calls saying:
"The evidence of the extreme suffering of ducks and geese in Hungary uncovered by this charity shows once again that the production of foie gras is inhumane and abhorrently cruel. The time has come for an outright ban of long term force feeding in agricultural production.
"Exposing the true nature of the production process is helping people become more aware of how this so-called delicacy is made and the tide of public opinion is turning. Force feeding of birds is inherently cruel and clearly causes serious harm and makes the birds ill.
"I will continue to call for a ban on foie gras at an EU level until this barbaric practice is brought to an end.""
ENDS
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