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Written question asked by Giles Watling (Conservative) on Monday, 19 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 February 2024. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Foie Gras: Imports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the total tonnage of foie gras imported in 2023; and whether he plans to ban its importation when produced via force-feeding.

Answer

In 2023 the UK imported 628 tonnes of fatty livers of geese and ducks, valued at £3.3m (source HMRC UK Trade Info; data for 2023 is provisional and subject to change).

The Government shares the British public's high regard for animal welfare and has made clear that the production of foie gras from ducks or geese using force feeding raises serious welfare concerns.

We are committed to building a clear evidence base to inform future decisions. Any proposals would be informed by the evidence base and likely subject to consultation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14733
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Animal welfare Imports Foie gras
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk