The import ban on foie gras is also on the political agenda in Switzerland.
The international trend is unambiguous: even King Charles III of England recently banned foie gras from his royal residences.
The lives of ducks and geese in force-feeding farms are cruel: as part of foie gras production, the animals are “force-fed” for two weeks before slaughter. This means that up to 1 kg of corn mash is forced through their oesophagus three to four times a day within three seconds. For comparison: the quantities of feed administered under duress would be equivalent to 12 kg of spaghetti per day for a human being. Towards the end of this force-feeding period, the liver of the geese weighs 2 kg instead of 200 g – ten times more than in a healthy animal. The resulting pressure on the organs causes pain and breathing difficulties. Added to this are the killing of “useless” female chicks, systematic mutilations and questionable husbandry conditions.
Animal-friendly faux gras is in no way inferior to foie gras
Several Swiss top chefs have dedicated themselves to promoting animal-friendly festive meals. Star chef Tobias Buholzer is the best example of this. His noix gras terrine has been a popular culinary delight for several years and is available throughout Switzerland. Buholzer’s motivations are clear: “For me, there is not a single reason why animals have to be made to suffer – not even for the production of luxury gastronomic products. I categorically reject this and therefore do not serve foie gras in my gourmet restaurant.”
On Switzerland’s political agenda
Politics is also pushing for an import ban on foie gras. A corresponding motion by Martin Haab, SVP National Councillor, was adopted by the National Council with a large majority (119 to 61 votes). The motion now goes to the Council of States, which will vote on it next year. Stop Gavage Suisse, VIER PFOTEN and other animal welfare organisations support the motion.
Intensive poultry farming represents a serious international health risk. In 2022 alone, a new outbreak of avian influenza led to the killing of approximately 20 million so-called farm birds, including 10 million ducks in France. This is a further argument for abandoning the intensive keeping of ducks and other birds.
More than 20 countries ban force-feeding, including Switzerland. In the European Union, 22 of the 27 member states have banned force-feeding on animal welfare grounds. In addition, several countries, states and cities have already banned the trade in foie gras.
Background
In Switzerland, the production of foie gras is prohibited, yet the country is simultaneously one of the main importers of French foie gras. 208 tonnes of foie gras were imported in 2021, representing more than 377,000 ducks and 7,500 geese per year that were force-fed before being slaughtered for Swiss consumption. This does not count the female animals that are shredded or gassed immediately after birth.
According to a survey from December 2018, only 30% of the Swiss population consume foie gras. There are, however, regional differences: while only 15% of people in German-speaking Switzerland consume foie gras, the figure is 71% in French-speaking Switzerland and 49% in Ticino.
Nestlé launches vegan foie gras
The Swiss food company Nestlé is offering an animal-friendly alternative. From 28 November 2022, the speciality known as «Voie Gras» will be available in a limited edition in 140 Coop branches. At the same time, the product is also being launched in Spain. Spain is the largest consumer of goose foie gras in the world after France.
The basis of the new product is shea butter and sunflower oil, refined with miso paste, truffle oil and coriander. The research and development centre in Singen, in southern Germany, develops and produces the «Voie Gras». Nestlé Research in Lausanne has also contributed to the product.
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