Foie Gras a 'Diseased' Food, Animal Welfare Groups Say

Foie gras should be declared a "diseased product" unfit for human consumption, according to a legal petition filed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by several animal welfare groups this week.

Foie gras is a delicacy made from the livers of ducks or geese that are force-fed large amounts of food by a tube inserted down their throats. The force-feeding causes the birds' livers to expand to up to 10 times their normal size.

"Foie gras is a cruel, diseased product that has no place in the human food supply," said Jonathan R. Lovvorn, vice president for animal protection litigation with The Humane Society of the United States. "Federal law requires USDA to protect consumers from diseased poultry products, and that is exactly what this petition asks the agency to do."

The petition cites avian veterinarians who say force-feeding causes ducks and geese to develop a liver disease known as hepatic lipidosis, in which large amounts of fat accumulate in the liver and interfere with the organ's normal functioning. The practice of force-feeding itself is also harmful, causing bruising, lacerations, sores and sometimes even organ ruptures and death, animal advocates say.

The petition also points to a recent study that found foie gras consumption can cause some people to come down with secondary amyloidosis, a disease in which protein deposits accumulate in internal organs.

The petition was signed by The Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, Animal Legal Defense Fund and NYU Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, as well as by several individuals.

A number of cities, states and countries -- including Chicago, California, the U.K., Germany and Israel -- have legislated against foie gras and poultry force-feeding. Others who have spoken out against foie gras include the Pope and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.