Foie gras is one of the cruellest foods on earth, made by force-feeding factory-farmed geese (or ducks) through a tube, until their livers turn to pate. It’s like force-feeding you plates and plates of spaghetti in one go. Yet despite being illegal to produce in the UK, it’s still legal to sell it. So boycott it in hotels and restaurants, and any stores (including Harrods and Fortnum & Mason) that still sell it.
Foie gras is so cruel, that it’s banned for production in nearly all countries on earth (a few still produce it, including France and Hungary). When he was California’s governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger banned its sale, he was so appalled by it being offered in local restaurants and shops. It’s banned for sale in New York City and even the whole of India.
So why on earth is it still not banned for sale in the UK (and Ireland)? Kudos to King Charles III, who at least has banned it at Buckingham palace and all royal residences. But this does not go far enough. England is a country that adores animals, so why is it still on the menu of nearly every ‘posh’ hotel (including the Ritz, the Savoy and the Four Seasons).
Health Dangers of Foie Gras
As well as being cruel, foie gras is very bad for your health. It’s extremely high in saturated fat and cholesterol, a real ‘heart attack on a plate’. It’s just the kind of food to block arteries.
Due to the way that it’s produced (including intensive housing), foie gras also has risks for listeria and salmonella, as well as bird flu. It’s already not recommended for pregnant/nursing women or anyone with weak immunity. And is not good for anyone else either.
Why Has the Import Ban Been Delayed?
Just after the Labour landslide election in 2024, environment minister Steve Reed MP promised to ban the import of foie gras (like real fur, if it’s illegal to produce here, it should be illegal to sell). However, Animal Equality is not impressed that one year later, nothing has happened.
Apparently, the reason given is to do with ‘border checks’ in order to ‘boost economic growth’. We are better than that. Write to Your MP and ask what’s happening with the Bill, and ask him or her to support it, and raise the issue in parliament.
Every year, millions of terrified ducks and geese endure unbearable suffering for foie gras. Promises toe and UK imports of this abhorrent product has been disappointingly slow. Animal Equality UK
Labour has already pledged to ban foie gras imports. Foie gras imports betray British values of compassion. We should not be importing products that don’t meet our values. Animal Policy International
Kind, vegan Alternatives to Pâté de Foie Gras
The reason given to eat foie gras is always the same – taste. So for those who can’t seem to stop eating it, just go for a good alternative instead.
Vegan Foie Gras (Full of Plants) was created by a French chef, and apparently tastes just like the real thing. It’s made with cashew nuts, and infused with tahini, truffle oil and miso (avoid for pregnancy/nursing due to being unpasteurised).
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people and pets.
- Faux Gras (Two Spoons) is made from mushrooms and lentils, for a umami-rich seasoned paste by an American who has lived in France for several years.
- Shocken Foods No Duck Pate features brandy and black truffle. Sold frozen, it was created by award-winning foodies.
- Spain’s Hello Plant Foods has sold nearly 4 million units of its faux gras, including to Michelin-starred restaurants.
When consumers try Fuah! their eyebrows shoot up and they go ‘Madre Mia’. Javier Fernández (founder of Hello Plant Foods)
