Foie gras production through force-feeding (gavage) of geese and ducks causes liver enlargement and significant welfare compromise, with bans enacted in multiple countries.
The welfare evidence against foie gras production is clear: forced feeding with metal or plastic tubes causes esophageal damage, stress responses, and impaired natural feeding behaviour. The resultant liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is clinically analogous to severe fatty liver disease in humans — a pathological condition, not a natural variant. Scientific committees including EFSA have concluded that force-feeding is incompatible with good animal welfare. Birds show avoidance of feeders and the feeding tubes, indicating aversion. Alternatives including "ethical foie gras" produced without force-feeding from naturally migrating geese that voluntarily overeat before migration exist in very limited quantities in Spain. The welfare case for a complete ban on production and importation is supported by the scientific consensus.