Petition · past parliament
Ban the sale of foie gras in the UK
Closed
2,549 signatures
What the petition asks
Foie gras is produced by the cruel and sustained force-feeding of ducks and geese until their livers become enlarged by up to ten times the natural size. This frequently scars the oesophagus and causes their organs to rupture. Many birds literally burst or choke to death on their own vomit.
Production of foie gras is so cruel it would be illegal in the UK under several animal welfare laws, but it can be legally imported and sold despite this contributing directly to the exact cruelty we have laws to prevent?
Force feeding begins when the birds are 12 weeks old, happens 3 times a day using a pipe forced down the throat, and lasts for 12-15 days. The birds are kept in small, individual cages. They can't stand, walk, preen or stretch their wings.
And all of this for a 'delicacy'.
Force feeding begins when the birds are 12 weeks old, happens 3 times a day using a pipe forced down the throat, and lasts for 12-15 days. The birds are kept in small, individual cages. They can't stand, walk, preen or stretch their wings.
And all of this for a 'delicacy'.
Timeline
| 21 Sep 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 21 Mar 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
2,549
Status
Closed
Opened
21 Sep 2016
Closed
21 Mar 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.