Foie gras production involves force-feeding ducks and geese to massively enlarge their livers, causing severe welfare harms that have led to bans across more than 20 countries and numerous cities.
The welfare evidence against foie gras production is among the strongest for any agricultural practice. Force-feeding causes oesophageal trauma at the insertion point of the feeding tube, hepatic pathology so severe it constitutes organ failure, and respiratory compromise as the massively enlarged liver compresses air sacs. Post-mortem studies consistently show macroscopic and microscopic liver abnormalities far beyond physiological limits. Birds struggle during feeding and show avoidance behaviours indicative of aversion to the procedure. The practice is incompatible with the EU's own Five Freedoms framework and continues primarily because of cultural and economic inertia in producing regions. Consumer boycotts and legislation are both effective mechanisms for reducing foie gras production.