You recently read an article in the Kowloon Voice calling for a ban on the French delicacy foie gras in Hong Kong. Foie gras is goose liver that comes from geese that are forced to eat large amount of corn before they are killed. Write a letter to the editor supporting or opposing the article’s call for a ban on foie gras.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to show my support on the call for a ban on the foie gars in Hong Kong.
Recently, an article in the Kowloon Voice is calling for a ban on the French delicacy foie gas, in which the procedure of making this delicious, luxurious and famous French cuisine was disclosed. While people are enjoying the rich and creamy texture of the foie gras, the Kowloon Voice showed the Hongkongers another side of the gorgeous picture which is totally different from what we see and taste.
Shockingly, the way of making a foie gras is extremely cruel and unacceptable. The majority of us may simply think that foie gras is a goose liver, nothing special. However, what they do not know is that the foie gras actually comes from a goose which is forced to eat large amounts of corns before killed. This method is a valid proof of people disrespecting the rights of animals. Even though I am not an animal lover and I once loved eating the delicate cuisine, I cannot bear eating it anymore after reading the article reported in the Kowloon Voice. There are many ways to produce tasty food with great quality. Take Japan A5 wagyu as an example. Unlike foie gras, wagyu, a food item loved by many Hongkongers too, is grown in a totally different way. Although it is highly demanded, farmers will not act like the unethical businesses which produce foie gras. Instead, they choose to provide a good environment for waygu to grow, such as playing music in the farms. Profit is, and should never an excuse for people to neglect the lives and dignity of animals. While it is still possible to produce the popular food in a way which respects the animals’ lives, is it really necessary to let the geese feel great pain in order to boost sale? A ban on the foie gras is a strong and clear way to show our disapproval towards this unacceptable production method.
Besides, foie gras has a very high cholesterol level which is detrimental to people’s health. There is no doubt that the purchasing power of citizens is rising, so is the consumption towards luxury items, such as abalone, lobsters, foie gras and so on. It should be fine if people have control on their consumption of these yummy but unhealthy food items. However, what has been shown now is that people are off guard. To restore and maintain people’s healthy lifestyle and diet, foie gras, the all-time favourite on Hongkongers’ dining tables, should be banned to show that we are eager to put health as the top priority.
Although some people are yelling that having foie gras is their own rights and freedom which should not be restricted, I still believe it is crucial to implement such a ban. It is high time we reflected on what is more important. Our health or our wants? Our freedom to enjoy awesome, wonderful and beautiful delicacies or the animals’ right and dignity?
We are supposed to enjoy great meals with our beloved ones but not the sorrows, pain and the screams of the geese on our plates. Hopefully, more people can join the campaign to ban eating foie gras in Hong Kong. Only with our joint efforts can such a cruel, cold-blooded and disheartening production method be stopped.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong
Chris Wong
Ariaanne Fung Hiui Tung
6E 2015-16