Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a law banning the production and sale of foie gras, citing animal cruelty. The move effectively ends imports of the French delicacy and has angered France, which views it as a cultural issue and a breach of the EU-Mercosur trade deal.
The ban highlights a clash between Brazil's animal welfare standards and France's culinary traditions, potentially impacting trade relations and signaling Brazil's stance on agricultural practices within international trade agreements.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed a law prohibiting the production and sale of foie gras, citing concerns over animal cruelty. The decision effectively halts imports of the French delicacy, which France considers a part of its cultural heritage.
French diplomats had previously exerted pressure on Lula to veto the bill, arguing that its production does not involve animal cruelty and is a cultural matter. However, the bill was unanimously approved by Brazil's Congress, leaving little room for a presidential veto.
The French embassy in Brasilia and the France-Brazil Chamber of Commerce declined to comment on the matter. A Brazilian diplomat noted that France is in a weak position to make demands, referencing French obstruction of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which was finalized after 25 years of negotiations. France had viewed this deal as an opportunity to increase foie gras exports to Brazil.
Following the congressional approval of the ban, the French foie gras industry association CIFOG stated that the law would violate the EU-Mercosur deal. While a 2022 EU report indicated that foie gras production adhered to animal welfare rules, Brazilian animal rights activists have questioned these findings. Marina Lacorte, food systems campaign manager at World Animal Protection, expressed skepticism about the definition of 'good treatment' in foie gras production, stating that animal welfare organizations see no well-being involved in the practice.