Harvey Nichols bans 'cruel' pate

Ending sales of foie gras is a "commercial decision" says Harvey Nichols.

Harvey Nichols has said it will stop selling foie gras, following a long campaign highlighting the methods used to produce the delicacy.

The chain, which has stores in London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Dublin, said the move was a "commercial decision".

When existing stocks have run out, no more will be ordered, it added.

Animal rights campaigners oppose the liver pate, which is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese.

'Harrods pressure'

Vegetarians International Voice for Animals (Viva) welcomed the decision.

"Obviously we are very pleased that Harvey Nichols has stopped selling foie gras," said spokesman Justin Kerswell.

A lack of demand from customers and demonstrations which Viva had held outside stores were behind the move, he said.

Foie gras is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers swell to six to 10 times their normal size.

Pneumatic pumps are used to force quantities of food into the birds, which groups such as Viva say is cruel.

Harvey Nichol's new policy follows decisions by other major stores including House of Fraser, Waitrose and Sainsbury's to end the sale of foie gras.

Mr Kerswell said that it would now be increasing pressure on Harrods to take the delicacy off its shelves.