Pessac has joined French municipalities, including Bordeaux, Poitiers, and Montpellier, in halting the service of foie gras at official functions, showcasing a growing sensitivity toward animal welfare in France. With this decision, Pessac, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, has become the third city in the region to restrict foie gras, a traditional delicacy deeply tied to French culinary culture.
Controversy surrounding foie gras
Foie gras, derived from the fattened liver of ducks or geese, is traditionally produced through a method of force-feeding known as “gavage,” which has drawn criticism from animal welfare groups for its impact on the animals involved.
This delicacy is widely popular in France, with 93% of the population consuming foie gras. The average French person consumes approximately 170 grams of the dish annually, according to Statista. France itself is the world’s leading foie gras producer, accounting for nearly 70% of European production and over two-thirds of global output.
Formal letter of commitment
In a formal letter to the animal rights organization L214, Pessac’s Mayor, Franck Raynal, outlined the city’s rationale. “The City of Pessac continues to progress in its animal welfare approach through the implementation of its 2021-2026 animal cause action plan.
“As part of its commitment and keen to be attentive to the breeding conditions for the production of foie gras, the City of Pessac formally prohibits the service of foodstuffs based on foie gras during municipal events,” Raynal wrote.
While several left-leaning cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Annecy, Grenoble, and Strasbourg have enacted similar bans, Pessac’s policy change is notable because Raynal is the first conservative mayor in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region to take a stance against foie gras.
These shifts in municipal policy have spurred interest in vegan alternatives to foie gras, as consumers and institutions increasingly seek options that mimic the traditional taste and texture without involving animal products. According to research by Fact.MR, the global vegan foie gras market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2024 to 2034, driven in part by increasing interest in ethical and plant-based foods across Europe.
Leading European producers of alternative foie gras include French company Aberyne and Foodys and Hello Plant Foods in Spain. Cultivated meat startup Gourmey is also currently developing cultivated foie gras, and they recently applied for regulatory approval to sell cultivated meat in the European Union.
Foie gras bans beyond France
However, foie gras bans remain a topic of conversation, including in countries outside of France. In the United States, for instance, the New York Supreme Court recently struck down a foie gras ban proposed by New York City, citing protections for agricultural producers under state law. This is especially surprising as foie gras does not hold the same culinary significance in the United States.
Raynal finalised the letter, noting that foie gras has been omitted from Pessac’s public catering, with plant-based foie gras alternatives introduced in schools and municipal canteens.
