Ducks and Geese Win: Foie Gras Bans Across the Country

The foie gras industry is running out of places to hide. More places than ever are rejecting the cruel force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras bans that keep this “fatty liver” off menus and out of stores.

Why Is Foie Gras So Cruel?

Workers repeatedly shove metal pipes down ducks’ and geese’s throats and pump grain and fat into their stomachs. This violent process can swell birds’ livers to up to 10 times their normal size and leave them unable to stand, walk, or breathe normally.

Where Foie Gras Bans Are Taking Hold

As more people learn how workers force-feed ducks and geese for foie gras, lawmakers and voters are taking action. Here’s where foie gras bans already exist, and where new protections for birds could come next.

California

State law prohibits force-feeding birds to enlarge their livers and bans the sale of foie gras from force-fed birds.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In 2023, Pittsburgh banned force-feeding animals and prohibited the sale of foie gras and other animal parts taken from force-fed animals.

New York City

New York City’s foie gras ban is on the books and currently awaiting a decision from the state’s highest court. While the law is not currently being enforced, it has cleared every hurdle so far, and we’re optimistic that the courts will ultimately side with ducks and geese.

Brookline, Massachusetts

Brookline banned the sale of foie gras from force-fed birds in 2025, applying the measure to restaurants, retailers, individuals, and other entities.

Portland, Oregon

In June 2026, Portland joined the growing movement against foie gras by banning the sale of livers taken from force-fed birds.

Where Foie Gras Could Be Banned Next

Washington, D.C.

Voters will decide the fate of Initiative 86, the Prohibiting the Force-Feeding of Birds Act, on November 3, 2026. If approved, it would ban force-feeding birds and prohibit the sale or distribution of livers and other body parts taken from force-fed birds, including foie gras.

Denver, Colorado

Denver voters will also weigh in on a foie gras measure this November. The proposal would prohibit force-feeding birds and ban the commercial sale, distribution, importation, transportation, and receipt of livers and other body parts taken from force-fed birds.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia could also join the growing list of jurisdictions rejecting foie gras. A bill introduced in 2026 would prohibit restaurants and stores throughout the city from selling foie gras from force-fed birds.

New Jersey

New Jersey has introduced a bill to ban the sale of foie gras from fattened birds, and is awaiting a hearing in committee.

Ohio

Ohio has introduced a bill to ban the production and sale of foie gras from force-fed domestic birds, and it’s currently pending in committee.

The Movement Is Going Global

The push to end foie gras cruelty isn’t limited to the United States. Brazil recently enacted one of the strongest anti-foie gras laws in the world when President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a national ban on making, importing, exporting, and selling foie gras.

The foie gras industry is circling the drain, and every new ban helps push this cruelty closer to the dustbin of history.

Ducks and Geese Want to Live

Ducks and geese are sensitive, relationship-oriented individuals. Ducks form friendships and dream while they sleep. Geese often mate for life, work together to raise their children, and mourn companions. Like humans and all of our fellow animals, they can feel joy and pain, fear and comfort. They want to live, not have their body parts turned into foie gras and spread on someone’s stale bread.

Help End Foie Gras Cruelty Everywhere

Every foie gras ban marks progress for ducks and geese, but birds still need your help. If you spot a restaurant still serving it, urge the owners to take it off the menu.