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Your Loss: Californians Scramble as State Prepares Ban…on Duck Liver

Jun. 7, 2012 2:47pm Becket Adams

(The Blaze/AP) This is not a good time to be a duck with a fatty liver in California, though better times lie just ahead.

Chefs are loading their high-end menus with duck liver: terrine de foie gras, seared foie gras with mango chutney, foie gras salad and sweet foie gras for dessert. And they are keeping secret the locations of their multi-course dinners to avoid protesters as a July 1 ban looms in California, the only state to outlaw foie gras.

Demand for the delicacy has never been higher as diners sate their palates with a product that soon will be banned for production and sale in the Golden State.

“The price has doubled. People are finding it hard to get it because the demand is so high,” said Tracy Lee of the San Jose-based traveling dining service Dishcrawl, which has organized a series of 15 secret, sold-out foie gras dinners. Her last one is Thursday.

“We have had steady growth in demand … with a significant increase in sales in the month of May,” said Guillermo Gonzalez of Sonoma Artisan Foie Gras, the state’s only producer. He said some are new customers who, because of the publicity, want to try it for the first time.

While gourmands stockpile foie gras at $60 a pound (over $120 a kilogram), others are stomaching the frenetic food fest with disdain.

“High-end foodies and chefs stuffing down their throats excessive amounts of fatty liver from force-fed ducks in the run-up to the ban paint a pretty ironic picture,” said Jennifer Fearing of the Humane Society of the United States.

As the California foie gras feeding frenzy escalates, protesters in San Francisco and Los Angeles are staking out restaurants and even making reservations to tie up seats at dinners they know they’ll never attend.

Because, you know, disrupting a private business in the middle of this economy will teach everyone to love ducks or something.

“Many people don’t know what foie gras is or how it’s produced and they’re horrified when we tell them,” said Dana Portnoy, who shot undercover video inside a foie gras operation and organizes the San Francisco-area protests. “Occasionally we’ll run into antagonistic patrons, but that’s usually when we’re protesting at the foie gras benefit dinners.”

It’s why Lee doesn’t publicize the restaurants where her dinners will be held until a day before the date.

“So far we haven’t had any protesters, which has been nice,” she said.

As a July 1 deadline looms for foie gras nears, chefs across the state are loading their menus with the fatty duck liver and even holding secret dinners to avoid protesters. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The California legislature gave the state’s only producer, Sonoma Artisan Foie Gras, more than seven years to come up with a “cruelty-free” way to fatten the duck’s liver when in 2004 it voted in the ban on producing and selling foie gras. Absent that, a coalition of chefs have mounted a lobbying campaign to try to overturn the law in the future, and the foie gras dinners are funding that ongoing effort.

The California ban comes as four animal welfare groups filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture last month, making another point about foie gras.

They hope to secure a national prohibition by arguing that USDA is violating the Poultry Products Inspection Act by allowing “diseased birds” to enter the food chain.

Foie gras — French for “fatty liver” — is made from a feeding process called “gavage” where the duck’s liver is swollen to 10 times its normal size, which the lawsuit argues is acute hepatic lipidosis, a condition linked to obesity in animals.

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Comments (73)

needmoinfo
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:59pm
What does it taste like? How many chickens die each day and what do they do with those livers? Can’t you make something great tasting using normal livers? Don’t get it but then I’ve never had it.l

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- weisja4
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 6:48pm
  It is important to note that it is not liver, or even duck liver that is being banned, but only the process of force feeding the duck by shoving a tube down its throat and pouring in pounds of food. Duck liver and other liver is still very much legal.
  
  Report this comment
- FreedomPurveyor
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 7:05pm
  “It is important to note that it is not liver, or even duck liver that is being banned, but only the process of force feeding the duck by shoving a tube down its throat and pouring in pounds of food. Duck liver and other liver is still very much legal.”
  
  If that were the case, it could simply be imported. They have banned the sale of fatty liver.
  
  I don’t see what the big deal is. These ducks never go hungry!
  
  Report this comment
- GETLIFE
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 7:19pm
  Fois gras is like a buttery smooth liver pate– nothing like “duck liver” on its own.
  And I hear the ducks and geese just line up for their feedings….
  
  Report this comment
- Wilma
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:59pm
  Foie gras is the fattened liver of a duck or goose. Pâté de foie gras is a pâté that contains the liver. They are best paired with Sauternes.
  
  Report this comment
- MR_ANDERSON
  Posted on June 8, 2012 at 5:02am
  So, the 4th of July holiday won’t taste of freedom this year in California?
  
  Report this comment
affinity
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:44pm
I don’t eat ducks.

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- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:53pm
  Under the “obama care” guidelines certain waterfowl must enroll or their employers will be fined.
  
  Something tells me that an emerging market for Waterfowl dialysis in California?
  Or wheelchairs for frogs?
  
  Report this comment
aChameleon
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:38pm
I have a great idea. What if they ban all alcohol in california? Bans always work out without any unintended results.

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republic2011
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:35pm
All the more reason to leave this stinking communist state. California has gone down the tubes. We are surrounded by mouth breathers with open hands for free stuff and a war on business. Of course, it is the fault of Californians, because they only turn out at 25-30% in the elections and then wonder why we have such idiots in charge (Pelosi, Feinstein, Boxer, Brown, Villaragosa, etc. etc. etc.). The minute my family can leave this State, the better. Let it go to hell. Then we can move back and repair it.

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Magyar
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:32pm
Can someone please help them with the SECESSION paperwork?

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aChameleon
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:24pm
Daffy Duck is behind all of this. It’s now rabbit season.

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- blackyb
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:31pm
  You may be more right than you think. It depends on who “Daffy” really is, and he may be leading this country into ruins with his phony “caring” laws. People who care do not kill babies or support those who do.
  
  Report this comment
- Silversmith
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:57pm
  DUCK– FIRE!!!!
  
  Silversmith
  
  Report this comment
blackyb
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:24pm
I suppose that brings to mind the saying: “Lucky Duck.”

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Endstatism
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:13pm
There is one way to get the politicians attention who supported the foie gras ban. Have all the restaurants in California circulate the photos of the Assembly and Senate members and whenever they show up to dine, turn them away. Its perfectly legal to do so. It would be quite embarrassing for some member of the California Assembly and their family have a night out ruined because of being refused service.

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- t00nces2
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:23pm
  Screw it. Call it something else… Maybe “The entree formerly known as terrine de foie gras”.
  
  I will not comply.
  
  Report this comment
- Ramv36
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 7:23pm
  Restaurateurs and bar owners did that exact thing in Illinois last year…over 1k bars and restaurants completely banned all members of the state legislature as a protest of them passing a ban on smoking. It’s almost every restaurant and bar in the state, and they did serve all members of the legislature with do not trespass letters. I say good on them!
  
  Report this comment
amyb73
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:03pm
Now might be a good time to start a petition to have DHMO banned in California… I mean, it IS used by every company that performs animal testing on their products, and it is responsible for depositing tons of trash onto California beaches every year… Not to mention it was a major contributing factor in the meltdown of the Fukushima reactors. >:-D

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izukiddin
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:02pm
Add your comments

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- RepubliCorp
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:14pm
  can the first gay president still eat dog?
  
  Report this comment
- aChameleon
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:26pm
  Why do dogs walk around in a circle before they lay down?
  
  Report this comment
- Silversmith
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:01pm
  Ultimately all dogs are wolves – genetically speaking – and the circle is to beat down the grass where they intend to lay down – again – genetically speaking.
  
  Silversmith
  
  Report this comment
dennisS
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:01pm
Let’s see, California banned common sense about 30 years ago so why shouldn’t they ban foie gras. I just hope that they will ban fatty brains in California next….oops, sorry, I guess they wouldn’t want to get rid of all their progressives.

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- amyb73
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:07pm
  You are assuming there is something to ban in that case…
  
  Report this comment
common cents
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:52pm
This kind of thing is why me and all my siblings, parents, and a few friends left California.
We sold our houses, closed our businesses, took our jobs and tax dollars to the east about 1600 miles.
So many of my life long friends couldn’t believe when we left, now they are leaving too.
I loved California, spent 30 years there, paid through the nose there to support those government animals and illegals…… NO MORE ! California…… YOU SUCK………! Get rid of the Government problem and maybe, just maybe, I’ll come back some day….

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righthanddrive
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:50pm
Maybe all the CAers should move to NM, AZ, NV and bring their ducks with them……that will show the gubbermint!

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- dennisS
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:59pm
  No, no, no! NM or Nev. but not Arizona! We have too many of them here and they bring their stupid politics with them. 40 years ago when I moved to Az it was a conservative state. Now with all the Californians it is swinging toward the progressives, especially in Tucson.
  
  Report this comment
SquidVetOhio
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:41pm
They should just start eating fatty fetus liver. I hear you can still kill them in California.

(Yes, I know it’s horrible. Illustrating obusurdity by being obsurd.)

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- Gonzo
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:00pm
  Yes you can and we taxpayers subsidise it or face legal action from the Federal Government. The land of the free?
  
  Report this comment
Carlinpa
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:40pm
the blaze needs to dedicate a whole section to stories like this coming from California and other crazy states just about everyday. it should be called ” The Bizarre” The ruling 1% just released another royal decree! Hear ye hear ye, under orders of the king and queens of new york and california all royal subjects are hear by forbidden from presuming they are living life in a free nation and shall abdicate any and all personal ambition or desires of their individual pursuit of happiness in favor of the public good and our own ( king(s) and queen(s) welfare.

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Ravings of a lunatic planet
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:34pm
Oh Foie Gras!

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progressiveslayer
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:18pm
She had to organized a series of 15 secret, sold-out foie gras dinners. California is a joke,it’s ridiculous the laws and regulations those morons think up.Clearly what’s needed is more laws and regulations until every business is out of business.Do it fools let’s see the whole state go bankrupt.

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- TexasHunter
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:33pm
  @ PRO, To late the whole state is already bankrupt! This is what happens when you let a bunch of thieves, libs and dems aka NANCY PELOSI run your country. Issac seems to be the only good politician there. Crying shame!
  
  Report this comment
cemerius
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:18pm
I wish california would ban breathing!!! That will help their economy tremendously!!! May even make my few remaining relatives finally come to realize that California is a cess pool!!! I don’t even eat this but I do enjoy some duck liver pate!!

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somecallmeMC
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:17pm
I am from the government food office you are to ignorant to know what is good for you, so I will plan your meals for you and tell you what you can’t eat.

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Mandors
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:16pm
This has nothing to do with animal rights or cruelty. It is the first salvo in the war to control what people eat. They won the war on cigarettes, and now they will use the same tactics for meat. This is the first step.

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- Best_Patriot
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:37pm
  If that were the case, why not go after something that people actually eat?
  
  Man, Beck losers are the most paranoid of all.
  
  Report this comment
- Therightsofbilly
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:52pm
  Hey 7/8ths of a horse,
  
  I N C R E M E N T A L I S M
  
  I’d make the letters bigger for you if I could.
  
  Report this comment
- Best_Patriot
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:08pm
  Hey RightsofBilly,
  
  P A R A N O I A
  
  shh…..
  
  Report this comment
- blackyb
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:28pm
  If the story had some merit, I cannot say, but babies wrapped in gold leaf foil should be included in their lists of No No(s.) As should fido. Oh, well they are very bright and want to pass so many stupid laws laws as they can and tie up the next administration getting rid of all this junk they have been playing with to overwhelm our government and courts systems. These people need to be in jail.
  
  Report this comment
- Therightsofbilly
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:36pm
  Hey Horse,
  
  No, just a keen observer of history, and the traits of leftist loons like you.
  
  Judging by the amount of frantic troll posting the last few days, I would say that the paranoia badge is pinned squarely on your chest.
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 6:34pm
  Hi Billy,
  
  The mouse can read but he can’t write…
  
  Report this comment
Dismayed Veteran
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:11pm
I live in the midwest fly way. I believe I start selling bootleg duck liver to the California addicts. Isn’t this how the Mafia became so powerful in the 1930′s? I could send it via refrigerated truck to Las Vegas. There is plenty of unemployed in Las Vegas that I could hire to make foie gras and package it in disguised cans. I could use returning Californians as mules and pay them off in foie gras.

Why am I telling you this? It is my money to be made.

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- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:49pm
  Dismayed-I’m willing to partner with you on the black market duck livers for Kalifornia. There are few other products that might have a niche market. What about high capacity magazines for weapons, no that’s a felony. How about mice for people that own snakes? Or blind, clawless gerbils in the Bay Area?
  
  Report this comment
Best_Patriot
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:06pm
I remember when conservatives called for a ban on dancing and rock ‘n roll!

WAY LAMER.

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- Fubared
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:41pm
  I remember when the Dems wanted a ban on black folks. WAY cooler huh?
  
  Report this comment
- Best_Patriot
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:51pm
  stick to the topic, Fubared, you danceless stiff!
  
  Report this comment
- aChameleon
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:31pm
  You got owned. LOL
  
  Report this comment
- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:42pm
  When I was a kid, Dems dated and married the opposite gender. Oh the happy days
  
  Report this comment
lukerw
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 2:59pm
What’s Next: Caviar?

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hillbillyinny
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 2:56pm
See:

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_barber_s_surprising_foie_gras_parable.html

for “humane grown” foie gras in Spain.

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- Wilma
  Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:42pm
  Hillbillyinny, great video. I enjoyed it. Thank you.
  
  Report this comment
CatB
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 2:52pm
LOL ..this might get some of the progressive 1% ‘rs attention!

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