Foie gras ban on ballot paper for Washington voters

Washington voters will vote on Tuesday whether to ban foie gras, a controversial delicacy made from the overfed livers of ducks and geese. Initiative 86, also known as the "Ban Foie Gras" referendum, would prohibit force-feeding birds to enlarge their livers and the sale or distribution of any products resulting from the practice, including foie gras, carrying civil penalties for violators. The dish, often served in fine dining establishments, has come under scrutiny due to animal welfare concerns.

Pro-Animal DC, the group behind the initiative, argues that the force-feeding process is inhumane, stating that birds become diseased and too heavy for their legs to support them. The group has spent over $470,000 in lobbying efforts, according to a filing with the District of Columbia's Office of Campaign Finance. With 46,020 signatures, it holds the record for the most signatories in the city's history.

Denver, Colorado residents will also vote on a similar ban. Selling foie gras is already banned in California, New York City, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Portland, Oregon plans to implement a ban before the end of the year. Brazil banned the product in 2022, while India imposed a ban in 2014, making it the first country to do so.

Despite the controversy, some Washington restaurants, like Butterworth's on Capitol Hill, continue to offer foie gras. Bart Hutchins, the restaurant's owner, recently introduced a $150 four-course tasting menu to protest the initiative. In a June opinion piece for The Washington Post, Hutchins defended the practice, stating that it amplifies a natural biological process rather than inventing a cruel one. The historical practice of force-feeding dates back thousands of years, he noted.

Notable figures such as Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, and owner of several Washington restaurants, have also opposed the ban. He suggested banning other meats and vegetables, expressing concern for the US and global hunger issues. If the ban passes, it would take effect on July 1 of next year, though Hudson Valley Foie Gras stated it is consulting lawyers about a potential legal challenge.