Foie gras production through force-feeding ducks and geese is banned in the UK but imported product remains legal, creating a welfare policy contradiction.
Ducks and geese undergoing force-feeding experience acute stress from the tube insertion procedure and respiratory difficulty from enlarged livers pressing on surrounding organs. The natural food intake of waterfowl is regulated by their own appetite; force-feeding overrides this regulation causing metabolic stress and liver pathology. Animals are confined in small cages or pens that prevent normal movement during the feeding period. The welfare evidence against foie gras production is strong enough to have resulted in production bans in multiple countries while import trade continues.