Brazil's President Lula to Decide on Ban of Foie Gras Production

A bill (PL 90/2020) that bans the production, import, export and commercialization of foods obtained through forced‑feeding of animals has been approved by Brazil's Congress and sent to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on 6 July. The proposal, which targets the foie gras industry, gives the president up to 15 days to sign, veto or reject the measure.

The law would prohibit the practice known as gavage, where ducks or geese are fed through a tube to enlarge their livers. Animal‑rights groups such as Mercy For Animals, Animal Equality and the Frente Parlamentar Ambientalista have campaigned for the ban, gathering more than 300,000 signatures. Domestic production is minimal – only two to three producers operate, two of which are under IBAMA embargo – and the market price ranges from R$ 350 to R$ 5,000 per kilogram.

French producers have voiced opposition, arguing trade impacts, but the bill’s supporters note the negligible economic effect and stress animal‑welfare ethics. If sanctioned, Brazil would join about 22 EU countries, Israel, Argentina, Australia and India that have already prohibited forced‑feeding practices.