National Council makes a U-turn: but no import ban on foie gras

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On Thursday, the National Council agreed with the position of the Council of States, which had already decided in June against an import ban, but in favor of a declaration obligation. This meant that the councils could argue that foie gras would continue to be eaten in Switzerland after an import ban.

This product would then simply be purchased abroad and the ban would simply be circumvented. Especially in Western Switzerland, foie gras is an integral part of the local food culture. Opponents of an import ban also say that the declaration requirements have proven successful.

Supporters countered that fattening ducks and geese was cruel to animals.

200,000 kilos of foie gras per year

The reason for the debate was a motion by Martin Haab (61), SVP national councilor of Zurich. The National Council approved this in February 2022. At the time, the Grand Chamber was still in favor of an import ban. Before Thursday’s debate, the National Council’s provisional advisory committee also requested that the original wording of the motion be maintained.

In Switzerland, signatures are currently being collected for a popular initiative to ban the import of foie gras. The organization Alliance Animale Suisse supports the request. Stuffing birds is prohibited in Switzerland. According to the Alliance Animale Suisse, Switzerland imports 200,000 kilos of goose liver every year. (SDA)

Source:Blick