Commission opposes foie gras import ban

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With a vote of 9 against 3, the WBK-S decided to amend a motion by SVP Landsraadslider Martin Haab (ZH) accordingly, the parliamentary services announced on Wednesday. In the eyes of the majority, an import ban on foie gras means a ban on consumption. Because there are no equivalent alternatives.

Like the Federal Council, the WBK-S believes that a ban would conflict with Switzerland’s international commercial obligations. The majority of the Commission therefore prefers labelling. The WBK-S minority advocates a ban.

In Switzerland, signatures are currently being collected for a popular initiative to ban the import of foie gras. The Alliance Animale Suisse organization is behind the request. Stuffing birds is prohibited in Switzerland. According to the Alliance Animale Suisse, Switzerland imports 200,000 kilograms of foie gras annually.

The majority of the WBK-S rejects a declaration obligation for reptile leather. That is why she requests no to a motion by alderman Martina Munz (SP/SH). Most imported reptile leather goods already meet internationally recognized kill standards, the majority said.

The minority of the committee wants to pass the motion. She believes that a voluntary statement is not enough. The Commission decides to reject its proposal with 8 votes in favor and 3 against.

The majority of the Council of States Committee also rejects the obligation to declare coconut products cruel to monkeys, by a vote of 8 to 4, as requested by National Councilor Meret Schneider (Greens/HH) in another motion. The majority is of the opinion that a credible introduction of a duty to declare is hardly possible, the statement states.

Traceability can hardly be guaranteed for products containing coconut ingredients. A recording equipment abroad would also be necessary. The minority wants to pass the motion.

(SDA)

Source:Blick