France

French animal protection organization “L214 Ethique et Animaux” presented yesterday, December 21, an investigation in the heart of the French foie gras industry.

This new investigation exposes two common industry practices; the first one being that all of the female ducks and geese are thrown into shredders, many of them while still alive. The reason for this is that the liver of the female ducks is not big enough and it wouldn’t gain weight during the horrific force-feeding. The second method revealed by the investigation is the artificial insemination of female ducks. This practice causes infections on some of the animals. The ducks that get infections are killed by twisting and breaking their necks.

“L214 Ethique et Animaux” had already carried out an investigation into this cruel industry in 2012 on the practice of force-feeding. A practice in which workers shove pipes down the throats of male ducks several times a day, pumping up to 2.2 pounds of grain into their stomachs. This is done in order to enlarge the livers of the ducks and geese that will then be sold as foie gras. Foie gras literally means fatty liver.

According to Brigitte Gothière, spokesperson for L214. Thanks to awareness campaigns and investigations approximately 51% of people in France are in favor of banning the inhumane practice of force-feeding.

Animal Equality has also carried out several investigations into the foie gras industry in France and Spain exposing the cruelty behind some of the most important foie gras producers in the world.

The production of foie gras has been banned in Argentina, Austria, 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.

Here are some delicious alternatives to foie gras.

Mushroom Lentil Vegetarian Foie Gras

Chickpea Faux Gras (just make sure the butter is vegan)

Tofu-based Misokuke

Mushroom Mousse

Faux Gras can be bought online