What the foie are you doing? (From News Shopper)

What the foie are you doing?

11:16am Tuesday 8th November 2005 in Letters

WHAT'S wrong with foie gras? Foie gras is not produced in the UK although it is imported, and many shops and restaurants sell it, particularly over the Christmas period, as it is considered a delicacy.

Foie gras ducks and geese are force fed until their livers become grossly oversized up to 10 times that of a normal bird.

The birds are restrained and grain is crammed down the throat through a tube or pipe.

This process causes them extreme distress, pain and often physical injury.

The massively swollen liver expands the abdomen making it difficult for the birds to walk and breathe properly, as well as causing other health problems.

Foie gras literally means fat liver and those who eat it are consuming 85 per cent fat which goes directly to their own liver, raising cholesterol levels and contributing to other possible health hazards.

The production of foie gras is yet another example of man's brutality.

As we approach the festive season, I urge readers to give it a wide berth.

This is in the interests of both animal welfare and their own health.

Those readers concerned about the suffering of these and other farmed animals may obtain further information from Compassion in World Farming on 01730 264208 or via the Website www.cifw.org.uk or email Compassion@cifw.co.uk

CHRIS POPE
Nurstead Road
Erith