Foie gras (French for “fatty liver”) is the product of extreme animal cruelty. Factory farms produce it by force feeding ducks so much that their livers become diseased and enlarged. This causes a tremendous amount of suffering and can make it difficult for the birds to walk and breathe normally.
Few people would want to eat any part of a diseased animal, but in the case of foie gras, consumers eat the diseased organ itself.
Foie gras producers shove pipes down ducks’ throats to force feed them far more than they would ever eat. The force feeding can cause bruises, lacerations, and sores. The duck’s livers may grow to ten times the normal size.
Some foie gras factory farms cram birds into small, filthy cages where they can’t turn around or spread their wings.
More than a dozen countries have prohibited foie gras production. Wolfgang Puck doesn’t use foie gras, and many restaurants have removed it from their menus.
Animal Welfare Invited to Wolfgang Puck's Table
Wolfgang Puck pulled foie gras off his menus and made other changes to help farm animals.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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June 30, 2011
“Ag Gag” Bills Die in Iowa, Minnesota, Florida
Iowa is the latest state whose "ag gag" bill died with the legislative session. Minnesota and Florida also proposed failed "ag gag" bills in attempts to squelch whistleblowing.
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March 21, 2011
Christianity Today Honored at Genesis Awards' 25th Anniversary
The HSUS proudly announces that Christianity Today is the winner of the first Genesis Outstanding Written Word Award dedicated to journalistic excellence on animal protection issues in faith-based publications. The award was given during the 25th Anniversary Genesis Awards weekend celebration.
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May 6, 2010
The HSUS Wins Water Pollution Case Against Hudson Valley Foie Gras
A federal court has ruled in favor of The HSUS' federal lawsuit charging the nation's largest foie gras factory farm with numerous violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
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April 2, 2009
HSUS Statement on Removal of Foie Gras from Mayor Newsom's Restaurants
Paul Shapiro, senior director of The Humane Society of the United States' factory farming campaign, released the following statement regarding all eight of Mayor Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack restaurants removing foie gras from their menus: "The Humane Society of the United States commends the Board of Supervisors for passing its resolution opposing foie gras,
Our Victories
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December 29, 2011
A Historic Year for Farm Animals
In 2011, The HSUS joined the United Egg Producers to press for legislation phasing out the egg production using barren battery cages. We summarize this effort and our progress for farm animals in other areas.
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June 7, 2011
Progress for Egg-Laying Hens
Summarizes the progress made for egg-laying hens since the No Battery Eggs campaign began in 2005.
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February 7, 2011
USDA Proposes New Protections for Downer Veal Calves
In response to a legal petition filed by The HSUS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has tentatively approved new rules to protect downed veal calves – those unable even to stand – from slaughter abuse.
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June 30, 2010
Landmark Ohio Animal Welfare Agreement Reached Among HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Gov. Strickland, and Leading Livestock Organizations
A deal struck among The HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio on a raft of issues.