Law makers in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo have banned the production and sale of Foie Gras. The popular delicacy, which originated in France but is now produced around the world, is made from the fatty liver of force fed geese and ducks.
The bill's author city councilman Laercio Benko, hailed the decision saying: "Foie gras is an appetizer for the wealthy. It does not benefit human health and to make it, the birds are submitted to a lot of suffering."
Animal rights advocates are similarly enthused at the news. Guilherme Carvalho, a member of the Brazilian Vegetarian Society, called the move a "major accomplishment" and hopes the rest of the country will soon follow suit. "The next step will certainly be the expansion of the ban to the rest of Brazil," said Carvalho to the UOL News Portal.
On the other side of the fence, some of the City's leading chefs and restaurant operators have quickly spoken up against the decision. Michelin starred Chef Alex Atala, the man behind DOM one the world's best restaurants, has slammed the bill saying to UOL: "How can a city regulate what a person eats? Where will it all end?"
His fellow Sao Paulo chef Renato Carioni of the restaurant Cosi also had harsh words for the new law calling it "ridiculous and hypocritical" when speaking to local newspaper O'Globo.
According to the BBC, establishments caught serving the product will face a fine of 5,000 Brazilian Reals (approx. $1,600). The law will come into effect within the next 45 days.
Foie Gras legislation has been a topic of debate in many countries across the globe. One of the recent examples is the long and drawn out fight the product is currently facing in the US state of California.
