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Foie Gras: Still Illegal 

Tuesday, Oct 21 2014
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Well, foie gras is still against the law in California. The ban on fatty goose liver has been resented by many chefs, farmers, and diners since it was put into effect in 2012, and though it has been appealed (and the appeals denied) by several lower courts, on Tuesday it got the ruling from the highest court in the land that it is here to stay.

This appeal was on behalf of Canadian farmers, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, and the California-based Hot's Restaurant Group, and argued that the ban limits interstate commerce. But their appeal was not upheld, and it is still illegal in California to sell foie or force-feed geese to create fatty livers.

It's not illegal to own foie gras, however; periodically, some upstart restaurants and pop-ups will get around the law by serving it "by donation." Barring that, the Oregon border's only about a 5.5 hour drive away.

About The Author

Anna Roth

Anna Roth

Bio:
Anna Roth is SF Weekly's former Food & Drink Editor and author of West Coast Road Eats: The Best Road Food From San Diego to the Canadian Border.

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