Following footage released in France of ducks being force fed in horrifying crowded conditions, animal-rights activists are urging the government to ban the imports of foie gras.

Last week it emerged, the government’s plan to ban the import of fur and foie gras was likely to be scrapped.

Produced of foie gras follow a process called ‘gavage’ to force-feed ducks or geese, ultimately causing their livers to swell.

In the UK, these farms are illegal however this doesn’t ban the production of the product, usually in the form of a mousse or pate, being sold.

The footage obtained by the animal rights organisation L214 features ducks in crowded wire-mesh cages, being grabbed by their necks with a tube forced down their throats. This can cause internal bleeding and as a result, many of the ducks in the cages appear to have died.

Last week, it emerged the government’s plan to ban the import of fur and foie gras was likely to be scrapped.

Although the government says no decisions have yet been made.