Foi Gras Research Paper

Inhumane Food: The Fight Against Foie Gras

Foie gras was a foreign concept to me until I went to dinner at the Easter Standard in Kenmore Square and my date was enthused that it was on the menu. After he explained how it was prepared I was slightly repelled, but gave it a try. However, the method of its production has caused this delicacy to be outlawed in India, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and many European countries, as well as both Chicago and California, although these laws have since been overturned. In order to achieve the fatty liver that is foie gras, ducks are be force fed in a process called gavage, where a metal tube is inserted into their mouths, gorging them on a mixture of corn meal and fat to achieve an enlarged liver. Many animal rights groups claim that the ducks are locked in metal cages, unable to move, and are fed day until they are unable to walk, with claims of exploding fowl. Although this may be the case in many foie gras farms, it is not the rule; however, these practices lead to bans …show more content…
The legality of it also depends on the production methods in the regions. In America, new practices are being tried out like free range, or following the fowl’s natural eating pattern and only overfeeding them when they prepare to migrate and would naturally gorge themselves. Consumers look more favorably on these practices, especially as the provide higher quality livers. However, in European and Asian countries where practices are less streamlined and humane, laws are more strictly enforced. The legality of foie gras also calls into question the treatment of other farm animals. Many inquire why few bat their eye at the cramped enclosures and antibiotics forced on many commercial meat sources such as chickens and cows. It also calls into question the role of the government and how much power it has to enforce what we eat, especially on a topic where there are so many mixed