Animal Activists Dismayed over Lifting of Foie Gras Ban

March 18, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. dismayed / dɪˈsmeɪd/ (adj.) – being disappointed
Example: People are dismayed by the court’s unfair decision.

2. overlap /ˌoʊ vərˈlæp/ (v.) – to coincide or to have the same part as something else
Example: Some Filipino dishes overlap with those of the Chinese.

3. force-feed /ˈfɔrsˈfid/ (v.) – to force a person or animal to eat and drink
Example: Activists do not want to force-feed animals.

4. repeal /rɪˈpil/ (n.) – an act of making a law non-effective or invalid
Example: Lawmakers asked the court for the law’s repeal.

5. incorporate /ɪnˈkɔr pəˌreɪt/ (v.) – to integrate or include into something
Example: The chef is trying to incorporate foreign dishes into the restaurant’s menu.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Animal rights activists in California are dismayed over the lifting of the ban on selling foie gras [fwah GRAH].

Californian lawmakers implemented the foie gras ban in 2012. According to the Los Angeles District Court, the ban was lifted because it overlaps with an existing federal law. This law prohibits states from making rules that will affect the country’s poultry industry.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said lifting the ban will not help save ducks and geese from animal abuse. Protesters also emphasized the animal cruelty involved in producing foie gras. To make it, ducks and geese are force-fed to enlarge their livers. According to a report by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare, force-feeding has resulted in a 2,000% increase in the death rate of the said animals.

PETA and other animal rights activists are trying to appeal the decision. They are also conducting several protests outside restaurants that serve foie gras.

With the ban lifted, California now allows the sale—but not the production—of foie gras. While activists are displeased, producers outside the state are very delighted with this news. This is because California is one of the largest consumers of foie gras. Just days after the ban’s repeal, the demand for the delicacy has already significantly increased.

Chefs and restaurant owners in California are just as pleased as the producers of foie gras. Josiah Citrin [joh-SAHY-uh SI-trin], a chef and a restaurant owner, said that the repeal gives him more freedom culinary-wise. Many restaurants have also modified their menus in order to incorporate dishes with foie gras.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What are the food regulations in your country? Kindly discuss them briefly.
·         Which of these food regulations is the most effective? Why is that so?

Discussion B

·         What should be the punishment for people who commit animal abuse?
·         How does your country promote animal protection?

March 18, 2015