🐴 Amazon Stops Selling Edible Donkey in California: What You Need to Know!

Amazon to Cease Selling Ejiao Products Made with Donkey Skin as Part of Agreement with Horse Welfare Nonprofit

Apologies California, Amazon won’t sell donkey meat anymore.

Have you ever scrolled through Amazon’s vast selection of products and thought, “I wonder if they sell donkey meat?” Well, if you were planning on adding some donkey to your Christmas feast this year, you’re out of luck. The e-commerce giant has officially put an end to the sale of edible donkey in California.

Why the Donkey Meat Ban?

This decision by Amazon comes after months of negotiations with the Center for Contemporary Equine Studies, an organization dedicated to protecting horses. In February, the center filed a legal complaint stating that Amazon’s sale and distribution of products containing ejiao (an ingredient made from donkey skin) violated a California animal-welfare law. The law, called the Prohibition of Horse Slaughter and Sale of Horsemeat for Human Consumption Act, includes donkeys under the definition of “horsemeat.”

Amazon’s Response and Settlement

While Amazon denies any wrongdoing and disputes the center’s allegations, the company has agreed to settle the complaint. As part of the settlement, Amazon will cease selling products that contain ejiao in California. Corey Page, an attorney representing the center, suggests that this move indicates Amazon’s acknowledgment that they may have been in violation of California law. Page states, “If a company like Amazon decides it needs to stop sending products and promoting products that violate California law, then all other retailers should do the same.”

The Effectiveness of the Ban

Amazon’s commitment to preventing the sale of ejiao-containing products to California addresses remains to be seen. In the past, the company has faced criticism for failing to enforce banned item policies. Investigations have revealed the presence of unsafe and banned products, including expired baby formula and books promoting potentially fatal “treatments” for autism. So, while Amazon is taking steps to comply with the donkey meat ban, it remains uncertain how effective their measures will be.

A Shift in the Retail Landscape

It’s important to note that Amazon is not the only retailer to alter its stance on donkey meat. In 2018, both Walmart and eBay made the decision to stop selling ejiao products due to pressure from animal rights advocates. These advocates argue that the high demand for ejiao has led to the brutal treatment of donkeys in some parts of the world. For example, a report by the Donkey Sanctuary exposed the use of hammers to bludgeon donkeys in Tanzania to meet slaughter quotas.

Your Unknowing Encounter with Donkey Meat

If you’re wondering who in the world would purchase donkey meat on Amazon, you’re not alone. Surprisingly, there were more than a dozen donkey-containing products available on the platform, some even marketed as “herbal.” One unsuspecting vegetarian found out the hard way when they unknowingly consumed donkey after purchasing a dietary supplement. It just goes to show that you can’t always trust the label, especially when it comes to obscure ingredients like donkey.


Q&A: What else would you like to know about the donkey meat ban on Amazon? Let’s address some burning questions!

Q1: Why would anyone want to buy donkey meat?

Great question! While donkey meat may seem unusual to some, it is popular in certain cultural cuisines and health supplements. Donkey meat is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and boosting immunity. Additionally, ejiao, a substance derived from donkey skin, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its supposed rejuvenating properties.

Q2: Is the donkey meat ban only in effect in California?

As of now, Amazon’s ban on the sale of donkey meat products is only applicable in California. However, it’s worth noting that other retailers like Walmart and eBay have also chosen to discontinue the sale of such products. This suggests a growing concern for the welfare of donkeys and the ethics of their slaughter across the industry.

Q3: Are there any alternative sources for donkey meat?

While Amazon may no longer be an option for donkey meat enthusiasts in California, there may still be local specialty markets or restaurants that offer this delicacy. However, it’s essential to ensure that any donkey meat you consume is sourced ethically and follows local regulations regarding animal welfare and food safety.


It’s fascinating to see how events like the donkey meat ban on Amazon can impact the retail industry and drive changes in product offerings. As consumers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of the ethical implications of our purchasing decisions. Moving forward, will this ban spark a larger conversation about animal welfare and the global trade in unique food items? Only time will tell.

📚 References: 1. A June 2020 investigation from The Markup 2. A major 2019 investigation by the Wall Street Journal 3. A CNBC report on Amazon shipping expired baby formula 4. ENBLE’s discovery of potentially harmful books on Amazon 5. The Donkey Sanctuary report on donkey slaughter in Tanzania


👍 If you found this article informative or entertaining, share it with your friends on social media! Let’s spread the word about the curiously intriguing world of donkey meat on Amazon! 🐴✨