Goose Welfare in Foie Gras Production

Foie gras production through forced feeding (gavage) of ducks and geese has been banned in over 20 countries based on scientific welfare assessments concluding that the practice causes unavoidable suffering.

Key Facts

Gavage involves inserting a tube into the esophagus and force-feeding 6-8 times the normal daily food intake
The resulting hepatic steatosis (liver disease) causes the enlarged liver that is the foie gras product
Geese and ducks subjected to gavage show avoidance behavior toward feeders and handling equipment
Foie gras production is banned in the UK, Germany, and multiple other European countries
California banned foie gras production and sales, though enforcement has faced legal challenges

Welfare Considerations

Gavage force-feeding causes esophageal injury and liver disease that constitutes unavoidable suffering according to every scientific welfare assessment that has examined the practice. The liver enlarges to ten times its normal size — a pathological state, not merely enhanced food consumption. The behavioral avoidance of feeders by gavage birds provides direct evidence that the procedure is aversive. The number of countries and jurisdictions that have banned foie gras based on welfare science reflects a clear scientific consensus.

What You Can Do

Refuse to purchase or consume foie gras
Support campaigns to extend foie gras bans to remaining producing countries
Advocate for import bans on foie gras in countries that do not produce it
Raise awareness about the welfare science behind foie gras bans
Donate to farm animal welfare organizations campaigning for global foie gras elimination