Consumer Warning Labels Would Expose Diseased Livers as Source of Foie Gras

by Pamela Black · 2011-10-10 10:15:00 UTC
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As California moves to prohibit production and sale of foie gras, Animal Legal Defense Fund is calling on the United States Department of Agriculture to require a consumer warning label on all foie gras products carrying the USDA seal of approval.

Come July 2012, California will join several countries around the world that understand that the delicacy of foie gras is not worth the price of animal cruelty. Farm Sanctuary estimates as many as 500,000 ducks are slaughtered for foie gras each year in the United States. The ducks live in confined cages, have a tube placed down their throat and are force-fed for weeks until their stomachs expand 6 to 10 times normal size.

By that time, the ducks have developed liver disease from the process. Many die before they are sent to slaughter. In essence, dining on foie gras means eating diseased duck liver. And paying a premium price for the opportunity.

California delayed the foie gras ban for eight years to provide ample time for alternative (and presumably more humane) methods of foie gras production. Apparently there is no other way, at least according to top foie gras producer Hudson Valley Foie Gras.

The standard argument for continuing foie gras production through these inhumane practices (pdf) is that it mimics conditions seen during migration. Carter Dillard, Director of Litigation at ALDF, reminds us that “while ducks that do migrate will eat more than normal before migration, their livers only expand one and a half to two times their normal size.”

While a nationwide ban of foie gras is not imminent, ALDF believes that making consumers aware of where their food comes from will result in many more people choosing not to purchase the novelty food. A warning label could indicate that foie gras is derived from diseased birds. “Foie gras production is inhuman, making innocent creatures suffer simply to improve their taste,” Mr. Dillard stated in his blog.

Numerous celebrities agree. Renowned chef Wolfgang Puck no longer uses foie gras. Paul McCartney and Alicia Silverstone support the California ban. In England, where foie gras production is illegal, former Bond star Roger Moore has convinced retailers to stop selling foie gras.

The USDA seal of approval carries the implication that the food within is derived from quality, healthy animals. Transparency in product marketing is being sought out by more and more consumers as the shift to local, sustainable food grows. When it comes to foie gras, the USDA’s reputation is certainly under question.

Join ALDF in asking the USDA to place consumer warning labels on foie gras products.

Photo Credit: Farm Sanctuary

Pamela Black has nearly a decade of experience with animal non-profit organizations and has a Masters' degree in Animals and Public Policy.

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