Pittsburgh bans foie gras despite a possible lawsuit on the horizon
Against the looming threat of a lawsuit, Pittsburgh City Council approved legislation Monday to limit the sale of foie gras in the city.
In an effort to curb the practice of force-feeding animals, City Council members Bruce Kraus and Erika Strassburger introduced legislation to ban the sale or production of force-fed poultry products, the most famous of which is foie gras.
The French dish is made from the fattened liver of either duck or goose. In some instances, the animals are force-fed through a tube in their stomach. This practice can “cause animals significant injury and illness” according to the legislation.
“It is in the public interest to reduce animal cruelty,” the legislation said. “It is also in the public interest to codify values related to the humane treatment of animals, public health and environmental stewardship.”
A last-minute amendment added before Monday’s vote added a caveat that any restaurant still serving the dish can rebut the claim that their product is force-fed by providing documentation that proves animals are properly raised and cared for.
Though foie gras is the most commonly identified force-fed product, the ban
would apply to anything that results from force-feeding poultry.
Hudson Valley Foie Gras, a New York- based duck farm, said the company intended to sue the city if the ban is enacted.
“We have clear legal arguments to challenge the legislation,” Marcus Henley, the company’s vice president, said in an email. “We will definitely file suit against the City of Pittsburgh. Based on our track record and understanding of the law, we are confident of success.”
A similar ban in New York was approved in 2019, but a state court recently issued an order that prevented its implementation.
California also saw a slew of legal battles around banning foie gras. At this time, it’s legal to purchase in the state as long as it comes from an out-of-state producer.
Councilwoman Barb Warwick, who voted for the ban, said she was concerned about the costs of potential litigation, but that the legislation is “about animal cruelty.”
“There are alternatives to force-fed foie gras that exist,” she said. “And I would love to see all the restaurants in Pittsburgh band together to serve cruelty free foie gras.”
Very few restaurants in the city currently serve the dish, though some that do said banning a food that isn’t in high demand and is often avoided by diners felt unnecessary.
“Foie is easy to go at because it’s not a super popular ingredient here. It’s a low- hanging fruit,” said Joey Hilty, chef and coowner of The Vandal in
Lawrenceville. “There are a lot of food items that could or should be banned if you’re looking at animal welfare.”
Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, who voted against the ban, said she “appreciated the intent” of the legislation.
“It may not seem important to some people, but it’s very important to others and we represent everyone,” she said.
Councilman Anthony Coghill also voted against it.
The ban will go into effect once Mayor Ed Gainey signs it, or on Dec. 29 if he lets it become law without his signature.