An investigation by the animal rights organization L214 has uncovered troubling conditions for 11,500 mallards raised on a farm in Sèvremoine, in the French department of Maine-et-Loire. The ducks are kept on plastic grids without any bedding material, leaving each bird with less space than the surface of an A4 sheet of paper. This extremely limited space, combined with the lack of proper flooring, has led to health issues such as leg crusts and mobility problems, with some ducks unable to move and others dying in their confined spaces. The investigation also found that the ducks are not given access to water for bathing or cleaning, except for a small amount provided via a pipette for drinking. This is a critical issue because mallards are aquatic birds that naturally require water to clean their feathers and maintain their health. Additionally, to prevent aggression among the ducks, they undergo painful procedures such as the removal of the tips of their beaks and claws. These practices are considered cruel and are often performed without anesthesia. Actress Aure Atika presented the findings of the L214 investigation in a video, highlighting the distressing conditions faced by the ducks. The meat from these birds is sold under the Carrefour Extra brand, a major supermarket chain in France. According to Carrefour’s supplier ethics charter from October 2024, suppliers are required to follow current regulations on animal welfare and to prohibit acts of cruelty toward animals. In response to the investigation, L214 is calling on Carrefour to remove these products from its shelves and to commit to the Plant Protein Pact. This initiative encourages major retailers to shift away from intensive farming practices by 2030, promoting more sustainable and humane alternatives. The organization is urging Carrefour to take a stronger stance on animal welfare and to align its policies with the growing demand for ethical food production.