Sao Paulo Bans Foie Gras in Restaurants
The Brazilian city Sao Paulo officially banned the production and sale of foie gras in restaurants on Friday. Foie gras is a delicacy that's made from the fatty liver of force-fed ducks and geese. The legislation was passed out of concern over the suffering the making of foie gras causes the animals. "Foie gras is an appetizer for the wealthy. It does not benefit human health and to make it, the birds are submitted to a lot of suffering," City Councilman Laercio Benko said, according to the Associated Press. While animal rights advocates are pleased with the decision, some chefs in the city are reportedly upset, arguing that people shouldn't be told how to eat. The law will go into effect in 45 days so restaurants have time to adapt. Those that break the law will be fined. Other countries have banned the production of foie gras, BBC reports, such as Germany, Italy and Argentina. In many of these places, however, it is not illegal for it to be sold.