More Fury Over Foie Gras

Foie gras, the fatty liver (aka diseased organ) of male ducks and geese, is back in the spotlight with another protest scheduled to take place this Saturday, targeting Thomas Keller of Per Se.

Last time around, the Animal Protection & Rescue League (organized by New School student Michelle Brotman) protested Bill Telepan, who has won a merit badge from Animal Welfare Approved and carefully sources his foie gras to avoid supporting factory farms. Their target this time around isn't that much different, as Keller also chooses to get his goods from more humane sources. But... is there really a humane way to disease a duck's organ? To catch up on the process, here's James Bond discussing the evils of the industry.

The group claims they'll be displaying graphic banners showing scenes from inside Keller's supplier, Hudson Valley Foie Gras. A board chair of APRL says, "The conditions I have witnessed in Hudson Valley Foie Gras are appalling. In visiting there and other farms to document conditions, I saw ducks panting incessantly and showing great difficulty walking and breathing in the later stages of force feeding, and I saw trash barrels full of dead ducks killed by the process."

Still salivating for Per Se's extravagant dish? According to NYMag, the foie gras on the restaurant's tasting menu is the single most caloric menu item, weighing in at 435.4 calories (almost as much as a Double Down).

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Food on May 6, 2010 1:03 PM

Comments [rss]

Guest

y'know, i wonder why felix isn't calling france a third world country.

andisheh

Foie Gras is not a true food.

It is a fatty liver (disease) with infection of ducks and birds.

These poor animals are kept in crowded conditions and suffer immensely traumatic forced-feeding process and disregard for the pain. These poor animals are forced to eat lots of fat by tube. They are suffering from infection and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

This continues until they die. Then fatty liver of suffered and patient birds is used for the foie gras production.

So extreme form of animal cruelty is the way that foie gras is produced

This food can cause serious diseases:

1-Because of animals suffer, a lot of toxins (oxidants) are produced in their body and these toxins can lead to cancer in human body.

2-these birds are neglected and infected and their liver is filled with harmful fats that lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke.

As a producer please stop producing Foie Gras

As a customer please do not select the foie gras in the menu of restaurants.

grizzzly

I would swallow quite a bit to have the tasting menu at Per Se, tell you that much

ridgeside

You can't eat vegans, there is so much gristle you can't chew them. Lack of nourishment.

Sommelier

Sure, you can! Ducks, geese, rabbits, cows, sheep, goats... my favorite things to eat are vegans!

SP

EAT MORE VEGANS!

jonkai

these folks are truly ridiculous.. I don't condone the abuse of animals, and maybe they should stop the forced gorging of geese. but foie gras is a cultural comfort that we still want to enjoy. Picketing outside of Per Se is pointless. Until you're ready to put down your leather shoes, pants, belts, wallets and jackets, your cause is meaningless. life is life regardless how its created and killed.

Thespis

Every time I read one of these stories, it makes me hungry for foie gras. It's not something I usually think of, but now that you mention it...yum.

Guest

hahahahahaha

JMH

Mmmm... delicious, delicious cruelty.

Politburo

Don't comment on this thread. It just plays into what Carlson wants.

(Yes, I realize I'm violating my own advice. Don't comment to tell me that.)

Ritchie

Two commands in one post...what are you, our mother? At least say 'please.'

Meanwhile, is foie gras really worth what the cruelty to the animal? I think not.

diablofreak

meanwhile, we have hispanics being profiled unncessarily in the southwest, people stranded by flooding in the central states, environmental disaster down in gulf, the decline of the eurozone, and the endless ethnic massacres of innocent people in africa.

Ducks. This sounds so much more important, kudos to the protesters for picking the important thing to stand up for. Bravo.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Yes, pull the race card, AS a hispanic i am proud to support this cause. Guess what RESPECT and DIGNITY FOR LIFE is Important. Perhaps you should expand your mind, it isn't all about JUST YOU.