Where is Foie Gras Banned From Being Produced?
People have been debating for decades whether or not foie gras is ethical due to the methods required for its production. On the one hand, it’s a fundamental part of French culture and cuisine. It also has a long and fascinating history involving many countries and peoples. On the other hand, it’s a sad fact that many foie gras farms neglect the health, well-being, and happiness of geese and ducks, exchanging these for efficiency and profit.
Foie gras is banned in many countries to prevent this type of animal abuse.
Locations in the USA Where Foie Gras Production is Banned
Americans were only recently able to enjoy foie gras that didn’t have to be imported – the few foie gras farms in the United States started in the late 1900s. Now, although foie gras is legal in the United States for the most part, certain states have banned the production of foie gras by force-feeding.
California
California banned foie gras production in 2004, but the law took effect much later, in 2012. Minor changes to the ban occurred in 2015 and 2019. The ban prevents foie gras from being produced or sold by California businesses, but individuals are still allowed to purchase foie gras from out-of-state and enjoy it.
The ban in California shut down one of three foie gras farms in the United States.
New York City
New York City banned the production and sale of foie gras in 2019, and this law took effect in 2022. It affects the other two foie gras farms in the United States and hundreds of restaurants that sell foie gras purchased from these farms as part of their menus.
Chicago
Chicago banned foie gras production in 2006, but the ban was overturned in 2008. Foie gras production is currently allowed in Chicago.
Other Countries Where Foie Gras Production is Banned
Many other countries have put bans on foie gras, preventing it from being produced and/or sold. Even if you don’t live in these countries or plan on visiting them, it’s interesting to note where foie gras is illegal and the reasons behind the bans.
Argentina
Argentina banned foie gras production in 2003, and this law is currently still in effect. Importation of foie gras remains legal.
Australia
Production of foie gras isn’t allowed in Australia. However, importation from other countries is allowed.
Brazil
In 2015, foie gras sales and production were banned in restaurants in São Paulo. However, the law was overturned the next year, and foie gras is currently legal throughout Brazil.
Croatia
Croatia has laws preventing unnecessary animal force-feeding, which obviously impacts foie gras production. As a result, foie gras is illegal in Croatia.
Czech Republic
Foie gras production is banned in the Czech Republic. The country also has explicit laws prohibiting the force-feeding of animals.
Denmark
Denmark also prohibits foie gras production and has a specific law about force-feeding animals.
Finland
Finland has laws preventing foie gras production and force-feeding animals for non-medical reasons.
Germany
Germany bans foie gras production, though importation remains legal. Force-feeding animals is specifically prohibited as well.
India
Production of foie gras is banned in India. India is also the first country to completely ban foie gras importation. This occurred in 2014, and India remains the only country with a foie gras ban this strict.
Ireland
The production of foie gras is banned in Ireland, but restaurants are allowed to serve imported foie gras.
Israel
Israel was one of the largest producers of foie gras until 2003, when foie gras production through force-feeding was banned by the Supreme Court. Many farmers ignored the ban, so the government started to enforce it more strictly in 2006.
Italy
Italy prohibits the production of foie gras and force-feeding animals.
Luxembourg
Foie gras production is banned in Luxembourg. Force-feeding animals is also prohibited.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has a ban preventing force-feeding animals for non-medical reasons.
Norway
Norway has laws that prevent the production of foie gras and unnecessary animal force-feeding.
Poland
Poland prevents the production of foie gras in addition to any force-feeding of animals.
Sweden
Sweden has laws prohibiting the unnecessary force-feeding of animals.
Switzerland
There are also laws in Switzerland that ban animal force-feeding.
Turkey
Foie gras production and animal force-feeding are banned in Turkey.
United Kingdom
Production of foie gras has been banned in the UK since 2000. Recently, the government considered a ban on importation, but it was dropped due to concerns about restricting the personal choice of consumers.
