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Minister calls on diners to boycott foie gras
Last updated at 10:19am on 06.02.07
Boycott call: Ben Bradshaw
Government minister Ben Bradshaw today risked sparking a cross-Channel row by calling for a boycott of foie gras.
The environment and animal welfare minister is coming under pressure from animal welfare groups and some MPs to ban the import and sale of the delicacy in Britain.
Although stopping short of banning it, he risked angering French chefs by signalling his support for a boycott.
He told MPs: "We do believe that the production of foie gras using force-feeding gives rise to serious welfare concerns.
"The most effective action is for individuals not to buy foie gras if they dislike the way it is produced."
Foie gras, one of the greatest delicacies in French cuisine, remains controversial because of its production methods.
Geese or ducks are force-fed with grain for up to a month before they are slaughtered for their swollen livers.
Production has already been outlawed in the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark and Israel.
Mr Bradshaw said it would be illegal to ban its import under EU laws. Chicago last year became the first major city to ban foie gras and, in Britain, councillors in York considered outlawing it last month. They opted to refer the matter to officials to report on whether such a ban would be legal.
But Mr Bradshaw's call for a boycott was met with froideur by French restaurateurs in London.
Valerie O'Reilly, manager of London's oldest French restaurant Mon Plaisir, in Covent Garden, said: "I can understand why the government minister is calling for a boycott on foie gras but from our point of view it would be a travesty.
"It is one of the most famous French delicacies and it is simply delicious. We have nothing on the menu which exceeds the demand of the foie gras."
Silvano Giraldin from Le Gavroche said: "For the moment we carry on using it but it is a limited product which is exactly why it is so exclusive."
The minister also faced criticism from Tory MPs.
Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Derek Conway said: "He is perfectly entitled to his view as an individual and it's one many people will share.
"But I don't think it is right for the Government to take a view on this matter."
Reader views (24)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
I've just been reading the comments back and although it's reassuring to see some people are really concerned, it's also really upsetting that quite a few really don't care what cruelty is inflicted on an animal just so long as their tastebuds are satisfied and their freedom remains in tact. Personally, I think this is the wrong forum to be talking about freedom when the subject matter is kept incarcerate for the whole of it's short miserable life.
- Amy, London
I love foie gras, I don't need my conscience decisions made for me.
- Emily, UK
Steve - I don't think that foie gras should be banned necessarily.
The best thing we can do is continue to boycott the product and embarass those who still decide to eat it. If you think it's ok, then that's your call. You're in the minority, and with any luck, that's how you'll stay.
- J.W., Vauxhall
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