PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – The Portland City Council is debating the possibility of banning certain force-fed poultry products, including foie gras.
Foie gras is the liver of a fattened duck or goose and is a menu item at some Portland-based restaurants. The group Pro-Animal Oregon says photos show the inhumane way animals are fed to produce foie gras.
City councilors approved an amendment that would delay the ban by six months if passed. Councilor Mitch Green, who proposed the citywide ban, argued that six months is plenty of time for local restaurants to adjust.
“Two things can’t be true at once. I’ve heard that this is a waste of time because it is such an insignificant share of the restaurant scene in Portland, but that also banning foie gras will fundamentally destroy the restaurant scene in Portland. Those two things cannot be true at the same time,” Green said.
Some councilors say they continue to oppose the ban in its entirety. Andrew Fortgang, co-owner of Portland restaurant Le Pigeon, spoke about the concerns he has for his business.
“It has been laid out already that the text of the ordinance itself and the supporting documentation is misleading, contains clear inaccuracies, fear-mongering half truths. Sadly to me, that does not seem to be disqualifying to the ordinance, but apparently that’s the way it is,” Fortgang said.
City Council voted to move the ordinance to a second reading. Councilors will meet again Thursday, June 4.
Copyright 2026 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.