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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May 2, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Praises California Lawmakers for Upholding Ban on Foie Gras
The Humane Society of the United States applauds Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez for making it clear that California’s Legislature will not repeal or weaken the state’s ban on the sale of foie gras if it is produced by force feeding of the animals.
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May 1, 2012
Animal Protection Groups Oppose Attempt to Gut Calif. Ban on Cruel Force-Feeding of Ducks
Animal protection organizations are calling on California legislators to reject an eleventh hour attempt to gut an animal protection law passed in 2004 banning the force-feeding of ducks and geese as well as the sale of foie gras which is set to take effect this July.
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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.
Our Victories
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May 15, 2012
Timeline of Major Farm Animal Protection Advancements
Get a snapshot of The HSUS's advancements for farm animals over the last decade.
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May 7, 2012
Safeway Announces Progress Toward Gestation Stall-Free Pork Supply Chain
Safeway, Inc., announced today that it will begin formulating plans to have a gestation stall-free supply chain for the pork products they sell.
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May 1, 2012
The HSUS Recognized with Webby Award for Outstanding Smithfield Exposé
The Humane Society of the United States is proud to receive a 2012 Webby People's Voice Award for the video “Undercover at Smithfield.” The video chronicles an HSUS investigation of the largest pork producer, which documented inhumane treatment of pigs and led to a positive commitment by the company to improve its animal welfare practices.
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March 12, 2012
Harmful “Ag Gag” Bill Fails in Indiana -- The Humane Society of the United States Praises Legislature
The Humane Society of the United States praised the Indiana legislature for holding fast and refusing to pass S.B.184, a bill aimed at criminalizing whistleblowers who expose animal abuse, unsafe working conditions, environmental destruction and other illegal and unethical activities on farms.