The Dutch parliament has reiterated its call for the government to expedite a ban on boiling crabs and lobsters alive in restaurants. Despite parliamentary support in 2021 and a similar motion in 2022, the ban has not been implemented.
In October, Fisheries State Secretary Rummenie (BBB) informed parliament that a “scientifically substantiated, practical, and feasible” alternative for the hospitality industry is needed first. He mentioned ongoing research in Wageningen on stunning the animals electrically before cooking, with the first phase just completed and researchers needing two more years for the rest.
Parliament does not wish to wait that long, with all parties except Forum for Democracy supporting the motion. Initiators Kostić (PvdD) and Graus (PVV) argue alternatives exist and the industry supports a ban.
The parliament requests that the government act sooner than the projected four-year timeline. Rummenie advised against the motion, and it remains uncertain if he will implement it.
Source: NOS