Banning imports of frogs and promoting frog farming
6.6.2023
Question for written answer E-001810/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Annika Bruna (ID), Eric Minardi (ID)
In April this year, a frog fair in France sparked controversy: during the event, some seven tonnes of frogs’ legs were consumed; that represents about 350 000 frogs whose legs had been amputated with scissors, while the animals were alive, in the exporting countries concerned (Türkiye, Indonesia and Vietnam).
In Europe, wetland destruction and pollution have prompted the authorities to protect frogs. It is therefore prohibited to capture them (except where an exemption has been granted).
Similarly, India and Bangladesh, which had exported frogs to the European market for decades, finally put an end to exports so as to protect the species and reduce mosquito and pest populations that had expanded, leading to greater use of pesticides.
These events are a reminder that frogs, like all amphibians, are a valuable link in the food chain and are essential to ecosystems.
In order to protect animal welfare, preserve biodiversity and reduce the use of pesticides at both European and global level, does the Commission have plans to:
- 1.Ban imports of frogs?
- 2.Facilitate the development of frog farms in the EU that are more welfare-friendly, including as regards their slaughtering method?
Submitted:6.6.2023