India the first country to impose ban on the food product
India bans the import of the luxurious goose liver
From July 3rd, India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry has banned the import of foie gras as per the notice put up on the Indian Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s website.
This ban has made India the first country to include the food product – the liver of a duck or goose which has been fattened artificially by force-feeding it with corn. This is in the prohibited list of items as per Section 3(2) and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992. Apart from India the other countries which have already banned its production are Israel, Germany, England and California.
The buttery liver came into highlight when the animal rights groups protested against the cruelty behind its production. Unlike India, however the restaurants in the above countries are free to import the product.
The campaign was kicked off in 2012 by London based Animal Equality.
This French delicacy, imported from France and Spain to India, is served only at a few selected restaurants owing to its extremely high price i.e Rs 3,500 per kg. However the restaurateurs and chefs are yet to receive any notification over the ban.
Foie gras is served in the form of a sturdy patty in their specialty burger with a side of onion marmalade and marinated tomatoes at Worli-based Two One Two. It’s available for Rs 1,500.
It’s not a fast-moving ‘item’ but much like truffles and caviar gourmet eateries treat it like a prestige offering on their menu.
Restaurants in Europe are going through a similar moral turmoil but are relieved in the form of ethical foie gras that uses wild birds rather than force-fed ones.
As per a chef the demand outweighs supply. Reared duck or goose liver each weighs up to a kg.
Even though some calls it the delight of a kitchen, on ethical ground he supports the ban.
