Portland, OR. — The Portland City Council voted June 4 to approve an ordinance prohibiting the sale or provision of foie gras and other force-fed poultry products within the city, making Portland one of a growing number of jurisdictions to restrict the controversial delicacy.
The ordinance passed on a 7-5 vote after council members rejected a final amendment proposed by Councilor Zimmerman. The measure adds Chapter 17.110 to Portland City Code and will take effect 180 days after the ordinance becomes law, giving restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses time to sell existing inventory and come into compliance.
According to the ordinance, city leaders concluded that foie gras production involves force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers become enlarged, sometimes reaching up to ten times their normal size. The council cited animal welfare concerns, environmental impacts, and potential public health risks associated with intensive poultry confinement operations.
The ordinance states that force-feeding is “widely considered by veterinary professionals to be inhumane” and can cause injury, illness, infections, malnourishment, and lameness in birds. Council findings also cited concerns that birds raised for foie gras may be more susceptible to avian influenza due to weakened immune systems.
An accompanying impact statement described foie gras as a luxury food produced from the “diseased liver of a duck or goose” and argued that removing force-fed products from the marketplace aligns with Oregon’s legal recognition of animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear.
The city also pointed to environmental concerns, arguing that large-scale foie gras production can require significant water and energy resources while generating waste that may affect air and water quality.
Businesses expected to be affected include restaurants, grocery stores, and specialty food retailers that currently sell foie gras products. City officials stated that the delayed implementation period was intended to reduce economic disruption and allow businesses to adjust operations.
Supporters noted that similar restrictions have been enacted in California, as well as in Brookline and Pittsburgh. The impact statement also cited restrictions on foie gras production, sale, or importation in 28 countries worldwide.
The ordinance is not expected to require additional city funding for implementation, although officials noted that compliance efforts may require administrative resources as businesses transition to the new regulations.
The ban is scheduled to become enforceable approximately six months after the ordinance takes effect.
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