UK Ministers May Drop Plans to Ban Foie Gras Imports Despite Previous Promises

Animal advocates are expressing concerns that UK ministers may drop their plans to ban the importation of foie gras despite previous promises. The importation of foie gras, a fatty "delicacy" often used in French cuisine, involves force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers swell to an abnormally large size, causing immense suffering. While the production of foie gras has been banned in the UK since 2006, about 180 tonnes are still imported from Europe yearly.

The potential dropping of the ban on foie gras imports is speculated to be linked to upcoming discussions between the EU and the UK about a veterinary agreement to reduce border checks on agricultural products. Animal welfare organizations, such as Animal Equality UK, are calling for the UK government to uphold their promise to ban foie gras imports and put an end to the cruel practice of force-feeding birds for this "delicacy."