DC voters approve ban on production, sales of foie gras

Initiative 86, also known as the "Prohibiting Force-Feeding of Birds Act of 2026,” prohibits the forceful feeding of birds to fatten their livers, and the selling, distributing, or importing of those products into DC. The measure is set to go into effect on July 1, 2027, and violators could face fines of up to $5,000 per violation. Repeat violations could result in the suspension or revocation of a business license, per WUSA.

The initiative was backed by the animal advocacy group Pro-Animal DC. Supporters of the measure argued that the force-feeding process causes the birds unnecessary suffering.

The initiative received opposition from those in the food industry. Among them was Bart Hutchins, chef and owner at Butterworth’s, who says he serves foie gras at the restaurant. He said in an op-ed that the producer he buys the product from takes good care of the birds during their lives, and the force-feeding process is one that “the ducks barely seem to notice.” He said that ducks in nature overeat in preparation for migration, and the esophagus of a duck is without a gag reflex and built to swallow crustaceans and fish whole. “What foie gras farming does is amplify a natural biological process rather than invent a cruel one.”