Farms worry as NYC considers foie gras ban

FERNDALE, N.Y. (AP) — A proposed ban on the sale of foie gras (fwah-GRAH’) in New York City has the support of animal welfare advocates. But it could mean trouble for farms outside the city that are premier U.S. producers of the French delicacy.

A bill before the City Council would impose a $1,000 fine and up to one year behind bars on any restaurateur or grocery store owner who sells foie gras, the fattened liver of a duck.

Critics want it banned because producing it involves force-feeding a bird by sticking a tube down its throat.

At the Hudson Valley Foie Gras farm two hours north of New York, the manager insists ducks don’t suffer.

If the city bans sales, Hudson Valley’s manager says the company might move to Canada, where they could save on expenses.