Farmed Animals

Goose and Duck Welfare and Foie Gras

Foie gras production involves force-feeding that causes severe welfare harm and is banned in production in many countries.

Key Facts

Foie gras is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese to cause fatty liver disease
Production is banned in over 20 countries including the UK on welfare grounds
The UK permits importation and sale of foie gras produced abroad
Gavage force-feeding causes liver enlargement up to 10 times normal size
Ducks and geese in foie gras production show severe welfare indicators including lameness

Welfare Considerations

Foie gras production causes some of the most severe and deliberate welfare harm of any commercial food system. Force-feeding via tube causes hepatic steatosis, oesophageal damage, and profound physiological stress. While banned in production in many countries, continued importation and sale undermines the principled basis for the production ban.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing or consuming foie gras products
Advocate for a ban on the import and sale of foie gras
Raise awareness about the welfare harm involved in foie gras production
Support restaurants and retailers that have voluntarily committed to foie gras-free menus
Contact elected representatives to advocate for a complete foie gras trade ban