Snails poached for sale to French restaurants

[Evil Eye]

Now conservationists have urged police to crack down on an explosion in illegal poaching of Roman snails after discovering they were being gathered up en masse to meet a grisly, buttery end in local French restaurants.



The gastropods are listed as a protected species making it illegal to capture or sell them, but they are also regularly found on continental menus because across the channel they are considered a gastronomic delight.



Conservationists claim that French restaurants in Britain are paying up to £1 each for the unfortunate creatures, which are then fried in garlic butter or served in soup.



Roman snails are the largest snail species in the country, measuring about four inches in length, meaning that a 15kg haul could be worth £400.



Up to 70 per cent of the Roman snail population living on chalkland in Banstead Woods, Surrey, is said to have vanished over the past two years and local campaigners claim they could soon be wiped out.

Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...s-poached-for-sale-to-French-restaurants.html





Lolwut.

 

[DrLeftover]

Snail poachers.



Gotta love the French.

 

[Evil Eye]

I'm kinda surprised people cared this much. My mom hates snails in her garden.

 

[DrLeftover]

Round up the snails and start your own business:

Imperial Escargot Caviar - Snail Caviar (25g - 0.88oz) - $98/oz



Escargot Caviar is a new and exciting French product that is gaining popularity in Europe and Japan. It's has a singular taste and adds a touch of luxury to many dishes.



This item may be purchased with Mother of Pearl Spoon and various gift packages. Makes a perfect niche gift.



The product needs to be refrigerated and has the following shelf life:

Closed Jar -- 3 to 4 months

Open Jar -- 2 to 3 months

http://www.beverlyhillscaviar.com/escargot-caviar-snail-caviar-1oz-tin-sku16633.html

 

[Evil Eye]

Wow, pricey.



Wonder if the health regulations would complain... they probably would.