Why Foie Gras is Not Unethical

GOOD is no stranger to the foie gras debate. We've explored a number of angles, from a spa-like farm for pampered animals, to our national fascination with ducks, and even a complaint that it's just not as important as other issues we face. And in California, it will be banned in 2012. The folks over at Serious Eats do one better, and visit a foie gras producer in New York to explore the ethical issues:

So the real question is: is the production of foie gras torturous under even the best of conditions? Those on one side would answer yes. How could force feeding an animal ever be considered anything but torture? On the other hand are those who claim that American foie farms are positively idyllic with ducks waddling around spacious pens, even queuing up for their gavage, that for a duck, none of the things we consider uncomfortable stress them out in the least. But who's right?

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It's a great read with some compelling conclusions.

Photo (cc) by Flickr user Shereen M.