Farmed Duck Foie Gras and Welfare

Foie gras production involves force-feeding ducks and geese to enlarge their livers, a practice widely condemned as causing significant suffering and banned in many countries.

Key Facts

Foie gras is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese 2-3 times daily with a feeding pipe inserted into the oesophagus.
Force-feeding rapidly enlarges the liver to 10 times its natural size, causing mobility problems and distress.
Production has been banned in the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Israel, and several other countries.
France remains the world's largest foie gras producer, producing approximately 19,000 tonnes annually.
A small number of producers claim their birds choose to eat voluntarily, though these claims are disputed.

Welfare Considerations

Foie gras production causes suffering through the process of forced feeding and the consequences of extreme hepatomegaly. Birds undergoing gavage show avoidance of the feeder, difficulty walking, and lesions from repeated tube insertion. The enlarged liver impairs breathing and mobility. The scientific evidence base for foie gras causing suffering is sufficiently strong that multiple veterinary associations have called for bans. Consumer choices and import restrictions are powerful levers given that most countries import rather than produce foie gras domestically.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing or ordering foie gras in all settings.
Support restaurants and retailers that have removed foie gras from menus and stocking.
Advocate for import bans on foie gras in countries that have banned its domestic production.
Share information about foie gras production methods to inform consumer decision-making.
Support campaigns by animal welfare organisations targeting foie gras consumption in key markets.