Published 10/07/2014

We are thrilled that India has decided to ban the import of foie gras: ‘fatty liver’, which is produced by cruelly force feeding ducks and geese so that their livers become painfully enlarged.

In doing so, India has become the first country to ban the import of foie gras.

Our Head of Campaigns, Emma Slawinski says: "This is a huge leap forward for animal welfare, it will prevent the future growth of this industry saving ducks and geese from this barbaric form of farming."

Foie gras in Europe

We are calling for foie gras production to be banned across Europe. A European Council Directive states: “No animal shall be provided with food or liquid in a manner... which may cause unnecessary suffering or injury”.

Yet around one million birds die during this cruel feeding process every single year. Many countries have banned the force feeding of animals for foie gras. But the suffering goes on. Annually more than 19,000 tonnes of foie gras are being produced in France alone.

Take action

We’re calling on the Presidents of the Commission and EU Agriculture Council, once and for all, to take urgent action. More than 100,000 people have already taken action. Please sign the letter to the Presidents so we can ban foie gras in Europe once and for all.