Nearly nine in ten UK citizens back ban on force-fed foie gras imports, new survey finds
The vast majority of British adults want the UK Government to ban the importation of foie gras produced by force-feeding, according to a new poll commissioned by Animal Equality.
A YouGov survey* of 2,137 UK adults, commissioned in March, found that 83% of those who surveyed (excluding the ‘don’t know’ responses) support legislation to ban the import of force-fed foie gras outright, while 84% want the Government to secure such a ban in any future trade agreement with the European Union.
The findings come just days after Animal Equality handed in a petition of over 315,000 signatures to Downing Street calling for the same, with support from allied organisations including Viva!, PETA UK, and FOURPAWS. The hand-in comes amid intensifying pressure on the Government to honour a pre-election pledge to end foie gras imports.
Concerns are rising that the pledge may be at risk due to EU-UK trade negotiations that rely on ‘dynamic alignment’; without an ‘animal welfare carve-out’ agreed, the UK would likely not be able to ban foie gras imports – now or ever.
Abigail Penny, Executive Director of Animal Equality UK, said the results left no room for ambiguity.
The message from the British public could not be clearer,” she said. “Nearly nine in ten people who expressed a view confirmed they want the Government’s trade negotiators to secure a ban on foie gras imports, and around one-third of a million have signed our petition demanding exactly that.
Foie gras production is unbearably cruel. Terrified ducks and geese are physically restrained as a long metal tube is thrust down their throat – this violent process is repeated, day after day, until their livers become diseased. This is anything but luxury.
Force-feeding animals to produce foie gras has been illegal in the UK for over a decade. Yet unlike many other banned farming practices, there is no corresponding prohibition on imports, meaning the product can still be sold freely in British restaurants and shops.
The campaign has attracted support from across the political spectrum and from prominent public figures including comedian Ricky Gervais, actor Peter Egan, and presenter Alan Carr, all of whom have backed calls for a ban.
Animal Equality is now urging the Government to ensure that any trade deal with the EU contains an explicit prohibition on foie gras imports, warning that negotiators must not “quietly set aside” commitments made to the public and to animal welfare at the negotiating table.
*The YouGov poll of 2,137 UK adults was conducted in March 2026 on behalf of Animal Equality.
END THE CRUELTY
Foie gras is immensely cruel. Its production causes ducks and geese severe physical and psychological pain. You can protect ducks and geese by opting for plant-based alternatives.
