Goose farming raises specific welfare concerns, most severely in foie gras production through force feeding, but also in standard meat and down production systems.
Foie gras production causes severe welfare harm through forced overfeeding that results in hepatic steatosis causing respiratory distress, difficulty walking and likely pain. The practice is banned in the UK and many other countries but imports continue. Standard goose farming must meet welfare standards appropriate for these large, social birds including adequate space and social grouping. Down products sourced through live plucking cause unnecessary pain and should be avoided. The RDS provides assurance that down was produced humanely.