India Bans the Import of Foie Gras!

Among the many foods considered a “delicacy” that come to market at great expense to the animals involved in their production, foie gras is no exception. Pate foie gras is served across the world, unfortunately, meaning that many ducks are forced to endure the pain of force feeding and are ultimately slaughtered to extract the liver pate.

While the production of foie gras has been deemed a violation of animal welfare legislation, and has been subsequently banned in California, regions of South America and the majority of Europe still allow for the import of foie gras.

India, however, has just taken a stance on this issue and has banned the import of foie gras from within its borders. The announcement of this momentous ban comes after a campaign led by Animal Equality. According to a report published by Channel NewsAsia, “The Directorate General of Foreign Trade placed a notice on their website publicizing that the ‘Import policy of the item ‘foie gras’… is revised from ‘free’ to ‘prohibited.’”

Animal Equality launched their anti-foie gras campaign in 2012, following an investigation of the cruel practices discovered in a production facility in the EU. The campaign in India largely responded to the increasing number of upscale restaurants promoting foie gras on their menus, making this victory a great success for animals everywhere.

In response to this wonderful news, Amruta Ubale of Animal Equality India released the following statement , “We are very thankful to the government. With this prohibition India has taken a progressive step in stopping the unnecessary animal suffering.”

While this may seem like a small win, this action by the Indian government sets an excellent example for other nations that allow the import of foie gras within their borders.

Animal Defenders International is currently running a campaign to see similar action taken by the U.K. government. In the U.K., the production of foie gras is illegal, however, the sale is not. To help end this cruel practice, sign this petition from Animal Defenders International.

Image source: Stephen Heron/Wikimedia Commons