Brigitte Bardot has launched a campaign to stop consumption of Foie Gras - the fattened goose or duck livers which result from forced-feeding ("gavage") of grain in the weeks before they are finished off. Claiming that the treatment of the birds is "a cruel, inhumane tradition" amounting to "torture", she is reacting against new French regulations which are aimed as protecting the practice as part of French heritage - "une patrimoine gastronomique protégé en France".
France produces 25 million fattened birds each year - over 80% of the world production. Brigitte has for many years been passionate about animal cruelty and has established her own foundation - see www.fondationbrigittebardot.fr/.
There is controversy about the practice - most ducks and geese are free range until the last 6 weeks or so of their lives when they are kept in cages and force-fed. This results in large tender livers which are so prized amongst gourmets. Apparently this was discovered when wild birds caught just before migration were found to have enlarged livers as a result of the birds gorging on feed to provide themselves with energy and fat reserves for their migratory flight.
Personally I cannot see the French denying themselves (or visitors) the delights of this delicacy which is a key feature of southwest France. If you want to find some in the UK - see Dordogne Direct
