Foie gras
is French for "fatty liver"
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Produced by forcing metal pipes down the throats of ducks and geese and force-feeding them until their livers become infected with a disease called Hepatic Steatosis, and unnaturally enlarged to up to TEN TMES the natural size.
In many cases, this causes their organs to rupture, scars the oesophagus and makes it painful to move.
Two to three times a day, a worker grabs each bird, shoves a long, thick metal tube all the way down his throat, and an air pump shoots up to two pounds of corn mush into his esophagus.
The industry always refers to the dry weight of the feed, which is about one pound per feeding. Adding oil and water doubles this weight, making it 20-30% of the bird's healthy body weight.
In many cases, this causes their organs to rupture, scars the oesophagus and makes it painful to move.
Two to three times a day, a worker grabs each bird, shoves a long, thick metal tube all the way down his throat, and an air pump shoots up to two pounds of corn mush into his esophagus.
The industry always refers to the dry weight of the feed, which is about one pound per feeding. Adding oil and water doubles this weight, making it 20-30% of the bird's healthy body weight.
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A duck's liver naturally weighs around 50 grams. However, to qualify as foie gras, the industry's own regulations require ducks' livers to weigh an absolute minimum of 300 grams.
The vast amounts of feed pumped down the ducks' throats causes enormous internal pressure, and the pipe sometimes punctures the esophagus, causing many to die from choking on the blood that fills their lungs. Some birds literally burst, choke to death on their own vomit, or become so weak that they are unable to fend off rats from eating them alive. Other ducks die a slow, painful, and premature death by suffocation from inhalation of regurgitated feed.
In fact, because of the massive toll taken on the birds during the force-feeding process, the average pre-slaughter mortality rate is up to twenty times higher than on other duck factory farms, according to the European Union's Scientific Report on the subject.
The vast amounts of feed pumped down the ducks' throats causes enormous internal pressure, and the pipe sometimes punctures the esophagus, causing many to die from choking on the blood that fills their lungs. Some birds literally burst, choke to death on their own vomit, or become so weak that they are unable to fend off rats from eating them alive. Other ducks die a slow, painful, and premature death by suffocation from inhalation of regurgitated feed.
In fact, because of the massive toll taken on the birds during the force-feeding process, the average pre-slaughter mortality rate is up to twenty times higher than on other duck factory farms, according to the European Union's Scientific Report on the subject.
The livers become so enlarged that the animals must experience unspeakable pain and suffering. Birds have literally exploded from these forced feedings. The results of necropsies on dead birds that have been force-fed reveal ruptured livers, throat damage, esophageal trauma, and food spilling from the dead animals' throats and out of their nostrils.
In addition to enduring force-feeding, the birds also suffer the same neglectful and abusive treatment of other factory-farmed animals: overcrowding, mutilations (their beaks are cut off), all their natural instincts and desires - such as interacting in social groups, mating freely, keeping themselves clean, nurturing their young, exploring their surroundings - thwarted, and eventually being sent to a violent death by slaughter. Throughout the weeks of force-feeding, the birds are kept in either a group pen or an individual cage with only wire or plastic-mesh floors to stand and sleep on. Unable to feel the sun on their backs or ground beneath their feet, the ducks are held in cages so small that they cannot fully stand or stretch their wings.
To make matters worse, the ducks and geese are housed without access to swimming water even though ducks need to be able to immerse themselves in water to remain healthy. Access to water on these farms is so limited that the ducks cannot adequately clean their nostrils and eyes, which can lead to blindness.
This is all for an overpriced, unhealthy appetizer that anyone can do without.
Please think about that it's not only the liver affected from the disease... it's the whole bird and it's meat!
In addition to enduring force-feeding, the birds also suffer the same neglectful and abusive treatment of other factory-farmed animals: overcrowding, mutilations (their beaks are cut off), all their natural instincts and desires - such as interacting in social groups, mating freely, keeping themselves clean, nurturing their young, exploring their surroundings - thwarted, and eventually being sent to a violent death by slaughter. Throughout the weeks of force-feeding, the birds are kept in either a group pen or an individual cage with only wire or plastic-mesh floors to stand and sleep on. Unable to feel the sun on their backs or ground beneath their feet, the ducks are held in cages so small that they cannot fully stand or stretch their wings.
To make matters worse, the ducks and geese are housed without access to swimming water even though ducks need to be able to immerse themselves in water to remain healthy. Access to water on these farms is so limited that the ducks cannot adequately clean their nostrils and eyes, which can lead to blindness.
This is all for an overpriced, unhealthy appetizer that anyone can do without.
Please think about that it's not only the liver affected from the disease... it's the whole bird and it's meat!
Main producers
The production of foie gras has been banned in Argentina, Austria, California (USA), Czech Republic, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. The only European Union countries where it is permitted are Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Hungary and Spain.
A ban on Foie Gras in California came into effect on 1st of August, 2012 and Foie Gras vanished from all Californian restaurants and gourmet groceries.
Today, France is by far the largest producer and consumer of foie gras, though it is produced and consumed worldwide, particularly in European countries, the United States, and China.
A ban on Foie Gras in California came into effect on 1st of August, 2012 and Foie Gras vanished from all Californian restaurants and gourmet groceries.
Today, France is by far the largest producer and consumer of foie gras, though it is produced and consumed worldwide, particularly in European countries, the United States, and China.
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Country Production (tons, 2005)
France 18,450
Hungary 1,920 Bulgaria 1,500 United States 340 (2003) Canada 200 (2005) China 1500 Others 940 Total 23,500 |
% of total
78.5%
8.2% 6.4% 1.4% 0.9% 6% 4.0% 100% |
France is the leading producer and consumer of duck and goose foie gras. In 2005, the country produced 18,450 tonnes of foie gras (78.5% of the world's estimated total production of 23,500 tonnes) of which 96% was duck liver and the rest goose liver. Total French consumption of foie gras was 19,000 tonnes in 2005. Approximately 30,000 people are members of the French foie gras industry, with 90% of them residing in the Périgord (Dordogne), the Midi-Pyrénées régions in the southwest, and Alsace. The European Union recognizes the foie gras produced according to traditional farming methods (label rouge) in southwestern France with a geographical indication of provenance.
Hungary is the world's second-largest foie gras (libamáj) producer and the largest exporter (1,920 tonnes in 2005). France is the principal market for Hungarian foie gras; mainly exported raw. Approximately 30,000 Hungarian goose farmers are dependent on the foie gras industry. French food companies spice, process, and cook the foie gras so it may be sold as a French product in its domestic and export markets.
Bulgaria produced 1,500 tons of foie gras in 2005; Canada also has a thriving foie gras industry. The demand for foie gras in the Far East is such that China has become a sizeable producer.
Hungary is the world's second-largest foie gras (libamáj) producer and the largest exporter (1,920 tonnes in 2005). France is the principal market for Hungarian foie gras; mainly exported raw. Approximately 30,000 Hungarian goose farmers are dependent on the foie gras industry. French food companies spice, process, and cook the foie gras so it may be sold as a French product in its domestic and export markets.
Bulgaria produced 1,500 tons of foie gras in 2005; Canada also has a thriving foie gras industry. The demand for foie gras in the Far East is such that China has become a sizeable producer.
Foie gras production in Belgium
Cruelty at 'Quebec Foie Gras'
2007 - Global Action Network, in collaboration with Farm Sanctuary, has released horrific video footage of Canada's largest foie gras producer -- Elevages Perigord. Using hidden camera equipment, their investigator filmed as workers pulled heads off of live ducks; smashed ducks into floors and walls; and punched and kicked the terrified birds.
July 6, 2012
Igualdad Animal releases new pictures of their investigation into Spanish foie gras farms
The pictures of these investigations can be viewed on Flickr
New pictures released by Igualdad Animal
on September 12, 2012
27 December, 2012
Shocking cruelty exposed at
Caracierzos foie gras farm in Spain
Animal Equality launches their latest investigation into the foie gras industry. ‘Caracierzos’, which is the second largest producer and distributor of foie gras in Spain, is revealed to supply European retailers. Footage obtained by the organisation show scenes of animal suffering. This is the fourth investigation Animal Equality has presented during 2012 exposing the foie gras industry, in France and Spain.
Farms investigated belong to the company ‘Caracierzos SL’, located in Teruel province of Spain. Caracierzos SL supplies Collverd and Martiko.
Farms investigated belong to the company ‘Caracierzos SL’, located in Teruel province of Spain. Caracierzos SL supplies Collverd and Martiko.
Collverd commercialises foie gras on a national scale in shops and restaurants.
The company also exports to France, Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Mexico, Peru, Colombia and China. The Director of Collverd is Jordi Terol, who is also Vice-President of Eurofoiegras (the European Committee for the foie gras industry).
Over 70% of the foie gras sold in Spain comes from Martiko.
80% of Martiko’s foie gras production is distributed and commercialised in large supermarkets and restaurants. Martiko exports the remaining 20% of its foie gras to the United Kingdom, France, India, China, Japan, and South America.
At the farm, the Animal Equality Investigation Team found:
•Ducks with broken and torn beaks that were covered in blood
•Scenes of indifference by farmers towards suffering animals
•Injured, sick, and traumatised ducks
•Ducks in cages with stereotypic behavior, such as head shaking and stereotypic feather preening which is a possible sign of stress
•Ducks with breathing difficulties
•Ducks with apparent congenital eye disorders and acquired eye malformations
•Ducks with broken and torn beaks that were covered in blood
•Scenes of indifference by farmers towards suffering animals
•Injured, sick, and traumatised ducks
•Ducks in cages with stereotypic behavior, such as head shaking and stereotypic feather preening which is a possible sign of stress
•Ducks with breathing difficulties
•Ducks with apparent congenital eye disorders and acquired eye malformations
Animal Equality also highlights that Health and Consumer Affairs Department initiated two weeks ago, disciplinary proceedings against Mugala Innova SL, owner of Mugaritz - considered to be the third best restaurant in the world - and also against Olga Posse Oliveira, owner of the duck breeding farm, which has been closed, located in Momotegi Oiartzun (Basque Country). This farm supplies foie gras to a restaurant managed by chef, Andoni Luis Aduriz, who is considered to be the best chef in the world.
These disciplinary proceedings follow other successes in Animal Equality’s campaign against the foie gras industry. The COOP in Italy - one of the largest chains of supermarkets - with over 1,470 outlets, agreed to end the sale of foie gras in October following the investigation. In addition, eight MEPs held a conference in Brussels calling for a ban on foie gras, referencing the Animal Equality investigation and petition.
These disciplinary proceedings follow other successes in Animal Equality’s campaign against the foie gras industry. The COOP in Italy - one of the largest chains of supermarkets - with over 1,470 outlets, agreed to end the sale of foie gras in October following the investigation. In addition, eight MEPs held a conference in Brussels calling for a ban on foie gras, referencing the Animal Equality investigation and petition.
Animal Equality is urging the European Commission to prohibit foie gras production across the entire of the EU. Bans are already in place in Argentina, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom and, most recently, in California (United States).
Please sign the petition addressed to the EU (European Union)
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SIGN THE PETITION NOW TO END THIS TORTURE To be sent to: John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy. The production of foie gras has been banned in Argentina, Austria, California (USA), Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. The only European Union countries where it is permitted are Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Hungary and Spain. Now is the time to move forward, show our respect for animals and ban this abhorrent practice. And you can make a difference. There are many of us who believe, as you do, that animals deserve respect. Sign now and spread word about this investigation to your friends and family so that the suffering of animals is no longer silenced.
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