Foie Gras Production and Goose Welfare

Foie gras production involves force-feeding geese and ducks to cause extreme liver enlargement, raising severe welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Foie gras production is banned in 20+ countries including UK, Germany, and Italy
Force-feeding (gavage) involves inserting a tube into the oesophagus 2-3 times daily
The liver of a foie gras bird enlarges to 10 times normal size over 12-14 days
Birds can develop lesions, liver rupture, and difficulty breathing during gavage
France produces 70% of world foie gras, where it remains legal

Welfare Considerations

Foie gras production causes well-documented animal suffering. Force-feeding causes oesophageal injury, liver failure, pneumonia from food inhaled into lungs, and extreme mobility restriction as the enlarged liver makes normal movement difficult. Independent veterinary assessments consistently find evidence of pain and distress in gavage birds. The EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health concluded in 1998 that foie gras production was incompatible with animal welfare requirements.

What You Can Do

Never purchase foie gras products
Inform restaurants that you will not patronise establishments serving foie gras
Support campaigns for a global ban on foie gras production
Educate others about the welfare science of foie gras production
Advocate for import bans on foie gras in countries where production is already illegal