Geese farmed for foie gras undergo force-feeding that causes liver disease and severe welfare harm, with the practice banned in over 15 countries but still legal in others.
Foie gras production is among the most clearly documented cases of severe animal suffering in food production. Force-feeding causes esophageal injury, pathological liver disease, respiratory distress, and difficulty walking. The birds are confined in small cages or crowded pens during the force-feeding period. Despite strong scientific evidence of welfare harm and bans across many countries, production continues under cultural heritage exemptions in France and other jurisdictions. Consumer refusal to purchase foie gras is the most direct lever for reducing demand.