a popular initiative wants to ban foie gras in Switzerland

The popular initiative “Yes to the ban on the importation of foie gras” wants to constitutionally prohibit the importation of foie gras and products based on this offal.

The flagship product of the end-of-year celebrations, foie gras does not only make people happy, especially among animal welfare defenders. In Switzerland, a popular initiative even proposes to ban it altogether. The lists of certified signatures – at least 100,000 are needed to ensure the triggering of a popular initiative – will be deposited at the Federal Chancellery in Bern on Thursday, December 28, assures the Swiss Animal Alliance at the origin of the procedure.

The cause, in particular, is the force-feeding of ducks, which is not natural. The proof is that Switzerland has banned it for more than 40 years, in the name of animal welfare. Banning the importation of foie gras would therefore be logical, believes Jacqueline Lavanchy, a left-wing elected official in the town of Martigny. As she explained to Swiss Radio Television, RTS: “The kind of treatment that is necessary to produce foie gras is an aberration and extremely cruel. And I believe that more and more people understand this. There can be no respect for the animal in such conditions. It’s impossible.”

Switzerland, one of the main importers of foie gras

The argument will be more likely to convince in German-speaking Switzerland where very little foie gras is eaten. In French-speaking Switzerland, on the other hand, feelings will be more mixed. Former right-wing MP Jacques Bourgeois believes that it is up to the consumer to decide whether they want to buy foie gras or not: “A ban would mean an increase in shopping tourism to the detriment of commerce in Switzerland, to the detriment of gastronomy in Switzerland”he believes.

“People would go across the border to buy or consume.”

Jacques Bourgeois, former Swiss MP

at franceinfo

The text calling for a ban on the importation of foie gras has collected more than 100,000 signatures. That’s enough to trigger a vote, even if those signatures still need to be authenticated. A “yes” to the ban would have serious consequences for French breeders. Along with Japan, Switzerland is one of the largest importers of foie gras from the European Union.