Written question asked by Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 16 March 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 April 2016. It was answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 March 2016 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Welfare

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review animal welfare policy and regulations, in particular with regard to the welfare of ducks in the production of foie gras overseas that is then imported and sold within the UK.

Answer: Foie gras using force feeding gives rise to serious welfare concerns, which is why its production is banned in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The EU has already introduced controls on the production of foie gras and, therefore, as a matter of EU law, any further action must be taken at an EU level, and not individually by Member States. Additionally we have to be mindful of our obligations under the EU Treaty in relation to the free movement of goods. Ultimately, it is for the consumer to decide whether or not to purchase foie gras.

Secondary information