Midsummer House Restaurant may be under the illusion that it serves fine cuisine and is part of civilised society’s elite. However, whilst the waiting staff may be more than happy to elaborate on the many dishes they serve, they may not be quite so eloquent regarding the production of their Foie Gras.

For those who do not know, Foie Gras is commonly produced by shoving a pipe down a bird’s throat in a force-feeding process that causes the animal’s liver to swell painfully. The process can cause suffocation as well as injuries to the bird’s throat. These wounds can then become infected. Many birds die in this process even before being sent for slaughter.

This atrocity is considered so unethical the production process is illegal in the UK, so the product is imported. A number of businesses including the major supermarkets will not sell this cruel item. Recently York council became the first council in Britain to pass a motion banning Foie Gras from its sites and also agreeing to send out letters to restaurants in York explaining the council’s feelings on the subject. Other councils have now also passed similar motions

But, whilst progress is being made on this issue some businesses such as Midsummer House seem to be insistent on being part of the problem rather than the solution. Being involved in a barbaric industry such as this can hardly be called civilised. One can consider oneself civilised when one is receptive to social improvement and does not stand in the way of man’s moral progress.

It is time for the management of ‘Midsummer’ to bring their restaurant into line with more progressive 21st century ethics by removing Foie Gras from their menu. I would urge anyone considering dining there to take their custom to an establishment that is truly civilised and whose perception of fine cuisine doesn’t involve this form of extreme cruelty.

Please take the time to watch this short PETA video narrated by Ex-James Bond star Roger Moore

Video hosted by Youtube

You can learn more about Foie Gras at the following websites:
VIVA’s Foie Gras Page
Ban Foie Gras UK
PETA’s Foie Gras Page
www.nofoiegras.org