Pamela Anderson calls for end of foie gras production in France

PARIS, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Actress and model Pamela Anderson stood in front of members of the French parliament Tuesday to speak out against the production of foie gras.

Anderson, who recently was featured as the last model to pose nude for Playboy, visited the National Assembly in support of a proposed bill, by France's Green party, halting the force-feeding of ducks and geese in a process called gavage, The Guardian reports.

"I as a Canadian, have come to France to voice my opposition to an industry that is equally as cruel as the baby seal massacre, the cruel treatment and slaughter of ducks and geese for another non-essential luxury product," Anderson said.

During the gavage process, corn is pumped into a bird's stomach in order to enlarge its liver, from which foie gras is made. France reportedly produces over 20,000 tons of the luxury food item each year, CNN Money notes.

"I ask French MPs to abolish force-feeding," Anderson continued. "Foie gras is not a healthy product and has no place in a civilized society."

Although Anderson's celebrity status brought attention to the issue, many MPs in attendance were not impressed by her advocacy.

"I'm totally indifferent to her. To me she represents everything I dislike including the superficial," Socialist MP Jean-Michel Clement reportedly said to France Bleu radio following Anderson's appearance. "She does no honor to the institution I am privileged to have a seat in."

The National Assembly visit was organized by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, MP Laurence Abeille of the Green Party told The Guardian. "It's not my job to go looking for famous people, its the associations that do that," she told the French press when questioned about using celebrities to attract attention to issues.