Sell Duck and Then Duck

By George Anderson


American consumers are eating more duck and some people (not to mention the ducks) are not too happy about it.


In a recent column, Beverly Bundy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram cited industry statistics showing duck consumption increased 11.5 percent between 1995 and 1998.


Animal activists, however, have protested the handling of ducks farmed for their meat and foie gras. Processors have been criticized for chopping off the bills of ducks and forcing the birds to live in cramped, unnatural conditions. Others have been lambasted for force feeding ducks in foie gras production.


Last year, Trader Joe’s announced that it was discontinuing the sale of duck meat until a “farmer can show certification by a reputable and independent agency that his/her operation is a cruelty free grower.” The chain announced that it was taking this action after customers “told us they are concerned and asked what we are doing about the sale of duck meat.”


Moderator’s Comment: Should other grocery stores and
restaurants follow Trader Joe’s example and stop selling duck meat?


Duck consumption is still quite low in the US. The average
American eats only about a third of a pound of duck meat every year.
[George
Anderson – Moderator
]

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