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New York Bans Foie Gras Sales
State Supreme Court upholds law prohibiting the controversial food product.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:22am
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New York's ban on foie gras sales reflects a growing movement to restrict controversial food production practices seen as inhumane.NYC TodayThe New York state Supreme Court has ruled that the state can legally ban the sale of foie gras, a controversial food product made from the fattened livers of ducks or geese. The ruling upholds a 2019 law passed by the New York City Council that prohibits the sale of foie gras within the city limits.
Why it matters
Foie gras production has long been criticized by animal rights activists who argue the force-feeding process used to fatten the livers is inhumane. The New York ban is part of a growing movement to restrict or eliminate foie gras sales in major markets, with similar laws already in place in California and Chicago.
The details
The New York law bans the sale of foie gras produced through force-feeding, which involves using a metal pipe to pump large amounts of food into the birds' stomachs. Producers argue the process is not cruel, but animal welfare groups say it causes the animals significant distress and liver damage. The state Supreme Court ruled the law does not violate the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause.
- The New York City Council passed the foie gras ban in 2019.
- The state Supreme Court upheld the law on March 12, 2026.
The players
New York City Council
The legislative body of New York City that passed the 2019 law banning foie gras sales.
New York State Supreme Court
The state's highest court that ruled the foie gras ban is constitutional.
What they’re saying
“This ruling is a major victory for animal welfare and sends a clear message that force-feeding ducks and geese for foie gras is unacceptable.”
— Brian Shapiro, New York State Director, The Humane Society of the United States
The takeaway
The New York foie gras ban reflects a growing societal shift away from food production practices seen as inhumane, with major cities and states taking legislative action to restrict or eliminate the sale of controversial products like foie gras.
