Catskill Foie Gras Collective Resumes Foie Gras Sales in California as Federal Judge Overturns Ban
Industry: Environment
Gourmet Delicacy Foie Gras is Back on the Menu in California in What's Viewed as a Victory for U.S. Duck Farmers
Sullivan County, NY (PRUnderground) July 15th, 2020
The Catskill Foie Gras Collective, a consortium of duck farms in Sullivan County, NY and Canada announced today that they will begin selling foie gras to customers in California again after a federal judge ruling on Tuesday that overturned the ban.
California’s ban on the delicacy was challenged in court by Hudson Valley Foie Gras in New York, together with an association of Canadian foie gras producers, including Rougié, (and Chef Sean “Hot” Chaney) who said they lost nearly one-third of their total sales when the prohibition took effect in 2012.
Hudson Valley’s Vice President, Marcus Henley, is thrilled with the Court’s ruling. “We are gratified that the Court recognized that California’s misguided ban was never intended to apply to foie gras products from out‐of‐state producers that are shipped to happy consumers in California,” Henley said.
Nikola Smatrakalev, General Manager in Canada of major French producer Rougié, added, “This is a very welcome decision by the Court on Bastille Day, France’s National Day.” Foie gras is recognized under French law as part of its protected cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Sellers of foie gras outside of California will now resume sales inside the state through online and telephone channels as long as the foie gras originates from outside the state and payment is received and processed outside California. Sales from within the state are still prohibited.
The news represents a major victory for the foie gras industry which has been unfairly targeted by animal rights activists and lawmakers for misperceptions on how foie gras is produced.
“We are very grateful for this victory,” said Sergio Saravia, president of La Belle Farm. “This victory is symbolic that even in the most trying times, if we stand together, we will persevere.”
Foie gras can be purchased online at: https://www.hudsonvalleyfoiegras.com/ and https://bellabellagourmet.com/
About Hudson Valley Foie Gras
Hudson Valley Foie Gras is one of the largest producers of raw and ready-to-eat duck and chicken products. Located on 200 lush acres in the beautiful Catskills Mountains, the facility has a more than 30-year history of setting global standards for animal care. Founded by Michael A. Ginor and Izzy Yanay, the farm encompasses all stages of foie gras production from breeding to packaging.
