Roger Moore calls for boycott of Fortnum & Mason over foie gras Foie Gras is controversial because its creation involves force-feeding grain and fat to geese or ducks. The technique produces liver fat, which is then sold. Writing in The Daily Telegraph today, Sir Roger said: "For years, Fortnum & Mason - one of the few remaining shops that still sell the vile product foie gras - have been attempting to hoodwink the public into believing that the foie gras it sells in its food hall and restaurants is "ethical." Now, thanks only to PETA, we know that company's claims are a sham. The actor said that investigators from PETA visited farms that supply Georges Bruck, the retailer's distributor, and filmed what it found. Fortnum & Mason said at the weekend that it is investigating the claims. Sir Roger said that the film shows terrible conditions. Geese raised for foie gras spend the last two weeks of their lives in cramped, filthy, barren pens. The floors on which they are forced to stand 24 hours a day are made of metal grating, through which the birds" urine and faeces fall and are never cleaned," he said. PETA's footage shows "frightened geese trying desperately to escape" as farm workers approach them with metal force-feeding pipes, Sir Roger said. He added: "Most of the geese pant constantly because their grotesquely distended livers press against their lungs and also prevent themselves from being able to cool themselves properly." The actor said that over a dozen countries including the UK, Israel and Germany have banned the production of foie gras. He said: "Like many people, I believe the sale of this "torture in a tin" should be illegal here, too. If a product causes so much suffering that is illegal to produce in the UK, then it should most definitely not be sold in any respectable British institution - let alone a shop such as Fortnum & Mason, which is blatantly trades on its English heritage. The retailer said at the weekend that it will investigate claims of animal mistreatment. A spokesman told a Sunday newspaper: "Fortnum & Mason maintains rigorous quality control procedures and would expect all of its suppliers to adhere to our gold standard production requirements. The retailer has not been able to prove or disprove PETA's claims. We are aware of our reputation as one of the world's leading purveyors of quality foods and have instructed the appropriate individuals within the business to look into the allegations. However, it's important we do not pre-empt that process in light of the questions that we continue to have regarding the footage," the spokesman said.