Former Genesis drummer Phil Collins has urged retailer Selfridges to stop selling foie gras.

In a letter to the company's chairman, Galen Weston, Collins said Selfridges' reputation would be further “dragged into the mud” if they continued to sell the item.

The production of Foie Gras, the liver of a duck or goose which has been specifically fattened, is banned in fifteen countries, including the United Kingdom.

However, Selfridges' customers are able to purchase the item in tins.

In his letter, Collins wrote: "As you can imagine, the scientific consensus has to be very strong for a country to ban the production of something, but indeed, foie gras production really is that cruel".

He added: "Won't you please dissociate Selfridges from this cruel industry that is opposed by about two-thirds of Britons. Selfridges' reputation is being dragged into the mud, which is tragic and is not something you should allow to happen".

Collins letter has been given the full support of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

(by Jason Gregory)