“Foie gras production causes physiological and ethological suffering to geese and ducks. That is a fact. The real question is whether we should accept it or not...". This is how an article by vet Dr Yvan Beck answered the question “is force-feeding painless?” and raised the problems of force-feeding. This is an even more pertinent questions as especially in France foie gras consumption is on the increase, with the development of industrial breeding and force-feeding centres, with living conditions and methods that are unsuited to geese and ducks, contributing inestimably to the already serious suffering of these animals.

Following a report by the Scientific Committee on the health and well-being of animals, the European Union had already taken steps to manage this practice. Unlike many countries in Europe which have already gone beyond the EU’s recommendations and have banned force-feeding (Poland, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Finland, etc.), not only has France pushed back the application of new rules defined by the Council of Europe, it has also managed to add foie gras to the “cultural and gastronomic heritage protected in France”. It has therefore put this practice outside the scope of European regulations.

One Voice feels that the direct and indirect consequences of force-feeding are so several that this culinary tradition must be banned in France. The association is calling on the public’s conscience to refuse to buy and consume foie gras and its related products magrets, goose fat, etc).

Foie gras production causes physiological and ethological suffering to geese and ducks. That is a fact. The real question is whether we should accept it or not…