Document type: Written answer from the European Commission
Authors: Question: Sylwia Spurek. Answer: Sylwia Spurek on behalf of the European Commission
Question: A report by the Cambridge University Animal Welfare Information Service entitled ‘The welfare of ducks during foie gras production’ states that while the report’s primary aim was to highlight the welfare problems in the last stage of foie gras production, namely when ducks are force-fed, welfare problems were also identified in the first two stages: starter and growth. These include the early, frequent and rapid development of footpad dermatitis, hock burns and breast blisters, fear of humans and high sensitivity to the environment, and lack of access to open water for bathing or at least full immersion of the head.
1 Is the Commission aware of the existence of such problems in the farming of ducks and geese used in foie gras production?
2 How does the Commission intend to respond to such problems, which are described in detail in the Cambridge report?
Answer: As the Commission pointed out in its answer to Question E-000179/2020, the Commission is aware of the report mentioned by the Honourable Member and published in 2015. The Commission, however, has no information on the existence of non-compliance with EU legislation on the farming of ducks and geese used for the production of foie gras.
In 2019, the Commission started an evaluation of the EU animal welfare strategy 2012-2015. This evaluation is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
In parallel, in the context of the European Green Deal, the Commission intends to present a Farm to Fork Strategy this year, which will include actions in the area of animal welfare.
Both the evaluation of the EU Animal Welfare Strategy and the Farm to Fork Strategy will contribute to designing future activities in the field of animal welfare.
