A present of foie gras for members of the European parliament, partly sponsored by Air France–KLM, has angered a number of MEPs, including the sole representative of Dutch pro-animal party PvdD.

The present was given to MEPs by a lobby group which wants to ensure the European parliament continues to meet in Strasburg as well as Brussels, the Telegraaf says on Thursday.

Anja Hazekamp said the gift was inappropriate given the suffering the geese have to endure when foie gras is produced.

‘This is why forced feeding is banned in most European countries,’ she said. ‘We already opposed the monthly trip to Strasburg and the foie gras present certainly does not improve things.’

Hazekamp and 14 other MEPs plan to return the gift, the Telegraaf says.