Farm Animals

Goose Welfare in Foie Gras Production: The Case for Bans

Foie gras production involves force-feeding geese and ducks to enlarge their livers. Understanding the welfare evidence supports informed advocacy positions.

Key Facts

France produces approximately 70% of global foie gras
Force-feeding (gavage) involves inserting a tube down the throat 2-3 times daily
Liver weight increases up to 10 times its normal size during force-feeding
Internal injuries, lameness, and respiratory difficulties are common during production
The UK, Germany, and 16 other countries have banned foie gras production
UK imports of foie gras remain legal despite domestic production being banned

Welfare Considerations

Force-feeding causes acute distress and physical injury. Geese restrained for gavage show escape behaviour and tissue damage. The enlarged liver causes discomfort, difficulty breathing, and walking. Production bans in most of Europe reflect a clear scientific and ethical consensus on the welfare incompatibility of foie gras production. Import permission while banning production undermines the welfare rationale of domestic bans.

What You Can Do

Avoid foie gras products in restaurants and retail
Support campaigns to ban foie gras imports into countries that ban domestic production
Advocate for trade policy consistency on welfare grounds