What is Foie Gras?

Foie gras (translated to “fatty liver” in French) is a luxury food product created when ducks and geese are force-fed high fat substances through a foot long feeding tube which is shoved down the bird’s throat, a process called gavage. This induces hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, in the birds; the liver is forced to grow up to 10 times its normal size. This process causes immense suffering to the animals prior to slaughter, after which the swollen, yellowed livers are minced or ground and sold as foie gras.

The suffering of “gavage”

Multiple times per day, ducks and geese have a long metal tube shoved down their throats through which their stomachs are pumped full of calorie-dense, fatty food. This process starts in 8 week old ducklings and goslings, and continues for up to one month prior to slaughter. During this extended period, the birds are cramped in small pens or wire cages where they are unable to even turn around, resulting in numerous leg and foot injuries. Similar to humans and other animals, being forced to consume excessively high fat and caloric food day in and day out induces organ failure, and the tubes themselves can cause beak and throat injuries as well as pneumonia. In addition to the physical trauma, this treatment leads to psychological suffering in these naturally sensitive and curious birds.

Previous foie gras bans

Because foie gras is such a cruel industry, multiple countries have already banned its production, including the UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Turkey, Argentina, Australia, and Israel. In the United States, the state of California has banned the sale of foie gras, and a number of restaurants and retailers refuse to sell it. New York City banned the sale of foie gras as well in 2019, and while this was unfortunately overturned, the fight is ongoing. 

Most recently, in December 2023, Pittsburgh, PA City Council banned the sale of foie gras.

It’s time to stop this cruel and unnecessary practice

At this time, only two restaurants in Columbus list foie gras on their menus, so a ban in our community would not make a significant negative impact for businesses. What it would do is make a positive impact on animal welfare and set a good example for the rest of the country.

Please stand with us against the cruelty that is foie gras by signing this petition urging Columbus, Ohio City Council to adopt legislation to eliminate the sale of foie gras within our city. 

Will you help to promote a more humane world?