The UK promised to ban foie gras imports. That promise is now at risk.
The UK government promised to ban foie gras imports. Years later, that promise is still unfulfilled. Now a trade deal between the UK and the European Union could permanently block any future ban, and Animal Equality is calling on the public to pressure the government before a decision is finalized.
Producing foie gras means force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers swell to several times their normal size. It has been illegal in the UK for two decades, yet stores and restaurants can still import and sell it.
British support grows for a UK foie gras import ban
A YouGov survey* found that 87% of the British public want foie gras imports banned. That support is reflected in the more than 315,000 signatures Animal Equality delivered to the UK prime minister’s office calling for the ban.
Animal Equality continues to take the message directly to lawmakers. This month, activists hung a banner in view of London’s Houses of Parliament reading “UK government: Keep your promise: Ban foie gras imports.” This action was part of a larger billboard campaign across England that reached an estimated 30 million people.
Every day this ban is delayed is another day that ducks and geese are violently force-fed. The Government’s negotiators must not trade away animal welfare commitments.” – Abigail Penny, Executive Director of Animal Equality UK
Foie gras ban momentum builds while the UK stalls
While the UK stalls, other governments around the world are moving forward. Portland, Oregon recently passed a ban on the sale of foie gras within city limits. Brazil is on the verge of banning foie gras production nationwide. Dropping the promised ban would put the UK behind governments that have already acted.
How you can help stop the UK foie gras ban rollback
Public pressure is the only thing standing between ducks and geese and continued force-feeding. No matter where you are in the world, the UK government needs to know the world is watching. Share this post and tag the UK government (@ukgovofficial) and UK Business and Trade (@biztradegovuk) on social media to demand the UK keep its promise to its citizens.
PROTECT DUCKS
Even before hatching from their eggs, ducklings communicate with their close‑knit families.
Protect these families by eating plant‑based and ditching animal products.
*The YouGov poll of 2,137 UK adults was conducted in March 2026 on behalf of Animal Equality.
