Brazil Bill to Ban Force-Feeding for Foie Gras Heads to the President for Sanction

Overview

• The Chamber of Deputies' Constitution and Justice Committee approved the measure, clearing it to be sent to the president for a final decision.
• The bill would outlaw the production and sale of foods made by force-feeding animals, such as foie gras, and it applies to both fresh and canned products.
• Penalties set in the text include three months to one year in prison plus fines under the Law on Environmental Crimes for animal mistreatment.
• Gavage, the technique targeted by the bill, uses a tube to force-feed ducks or geese to enlarge the liver, which the bill’s rapporteur says raises mortality rates up to 25 times.
• Animal-rights groups celebrated the vote and urged prompt signing, while chefs in Rio split over the move, with critics calling the focus on foie gras selective and supporters pointing to bans in countries like Argentina, Australia and India.