RSPCA: Gordon Ramsay should drop “barbaric” foie gras altogether
We welcome the news that Gordon Ramsay restaurants have dropped this supplier while they investigate further. However, we hope that they will cease sourcing traditional foie gras altogether, as this barbaric product should have no place in fine dining.
The RSPCA believes that the sale of traditionally-produced foie gras should be banned and no restaurateur or retailer should have this product on offer to its customers.
The conditions on this farm are shocking but the reality is that there is no ethically acceptable way to produce traditional foie gras.
This type of farming is illegal in the UK, because it contravenes animal welfare legislation, but it is still legal to import and sell and serve foie gras.
Traditionally-produced foie gras involves force-feeding ducks or geese, causing their livers to enlarge up to 10 times their normal size.
Foie gras production seriously compromises bird welfare – causing unnecessary and unavoidable suffering. Like ours, birds' throats are particularly sensitive and perform a gag-reflex, which is stimulated by force-feeding. The birds' throats can be torn or split.
Force-feeding impairs its function – causing liver disease and this unnatural expansion of the liver can cause the birds’ legs to be pushed outwards, severely impairing their ability to stand.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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