Minister calls on diners to boycott foie gras

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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."