California has imposed a ban on foie gras–a food product made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened.
The fattening of the liver is achieved through force feeding of ducks and geese using a tube-like device.Once fattened,the birds are slaughtered and their organs are harvested to make gourmet dishes.
For long,animal activists have protested against the sale of foie gras,stating that the production process is cruel and unnecessary.
In late 2004,then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger passed a bill banning the sale of foie gras.The regulation included a grace period to help chefs and farmers develop an alternative way to produce fatty liver.
However,no alternative methods were developed.The ban is effective beginning 1 July 2012 and the sale of Foie gras would lead to a penalty of up to$1,000.
Currently,France is the largest producer and consumer of foie gras.
