Voters in Washington, the capital of the United States, and Denver, Colorado, approved measures that prohibit the production and sale of foie gras obtained through force-feeding birds.
In Washington, the proposal had 73.24% approval (120,474 votes), while 26.76% of voters (44,007) voted against, according to the electoral authority's count. In Denver, she received 67.45% of votes in favor (185,481), compared to 32.55% of votes against (89,522).
The new rules only apply in the two municipalities and expand restrictions on foie gras in the US, but do not establish a national ban.
The two measures prohibit the force-feeding of ducks and geese to increase liver size and restrict the marketing and circulation of products obtained by this method.
The restrictions, however, have differences in scope:
in Washington, the initiative prohibits the commercial sale, distribution and import of foie gras and other products made from the livers of birds fattened in this way;
In Denver, the proposal also restricts the sale and import, as well as the transportation and receipt of these products.
What is force feeding?
Foie gras, an expression that means "fatty liver" in French, is produced from the liver of ducks and geese that have been fed and fattened. The technique used in production is known as "gavage".
The technique consists of introducing a tube through the bird's throat into the esophagus to supply a greater amount of food than the animal would naturally consume. The goal is to increase the size of the liver.
The procedure is criticized by animal rights organizations, who claim that force-feeding causes suffering to birds. Pro-Animal Future, responsible for campaigns in favor of the measures in both cities, argues that the practice harms animal welfare.
"Through our grassroots campaigns and pressure on authorities, we are working to end industries that treat animals like objects, keeping them confined in tiny, cramped spaces and depriving them of access to fresh air and sunlight," the organization states.
The proposals also faced opposition from representatives of the gastronomic sector. Bart Hutchins, chef and owner of Butterworth's restaurant in Washington, published an article in the newspaper "The Washington Post" against the initiative approved in the city.
According to Hutchins, force feeding intensifies a natural biological process in birds and does not constitute a cruel practice. He also argued that the ban could keep gastronomy professionals away from the debate about the origin of food and production conditions.
Bans in the USA and Brazil
Before the votes, California was the only American state that banned both the force-feeding of birds and the sale of products obtained through this method throughout its territory.
Some cities were also already adopting restrictions, including New York, Pittsburgh, Brookline and Portland.
With the new rules, Washington and Denver join this group. The measures expand existing restrictions in the US, but the ban remains limited to certain states and municipalities.
In Brazil, the production and sale of foie gras and other products obtained through force-feeding of animals were banned in July 2026. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) sanctioned a law that prevents the production and sale of these foods, both fresh and canned.
The rule provides for a penalty of three months to one year in prison, in addition to a fine, for anyone who violates the prohibition. The punishments follow the Environmental Crimes Law, which deals with cases of animal abuse.
With the sanction, Brazil became the second country, after India, to prohibit both the production and sale of products obtained through forced feeding of animals. The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Australia and Argentina already adopted restrictions on production.
