Washington, D.C. Voters to Decide on Foie Gras Ban in November

Washington, D.C. voters will have the opportunity to ban foie gras this fall, as the Board of Elections has approved Initiative 86, formally titled the 'Prohibiting the Force-Feeding of Birds Act of 2026,' for the November ballot. The measure focuses on animal welfare, citing that force-feeding induces liver disease in ducks and geese, causing pain, illness, and often death. The initiative, backed by the group Pro-Animal Future, which collected 45,000 signatures in about three months, would make it illegal for retailers and restaurants to sell foie gras, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and potential loss of business licenses. However, individuals would still be allowed to possess and consume foie gras for personal use, drawing on precedent from California's ban. The measure has faced opposition from some chefs, including Bart Hutchins of Butterworth's, who expressed frustration with the lack of vocal opposition in the culinary community. If passed, the ban would take effect on July 1, 2027, but legal challenges are anticipated, as seen in previous foie gras battles in California and New York. This initiative marks the latest attempt to ban foie gras across the United States, following California's decade-long legal fight and New York's ongoing disputes.