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Animals Rights Group Wants To Give Foie Gras-Hungry Anthony Bourdain Liver Exam

Brock Keeling — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:45:37 GMT

Looking to draw attention to (cruel yet succulent) foie gras production and consumption, which will (technically) be banned in California come 2012, animal rights group Animal Legal Defense Fund stirred up a bit of media attention today after offering a rather patronizing gift to TV chef Anthony Bourdain. See, they would like to arrange to have Bourdain tested for hepatic lipidosis—which is, it seems, "the same dangerous liver disease that ducks and geese develop as a result of being force fed massive amounts of food prior to being slaughtered for foie gras."

In part of a letter written to Bourdain/media outlets, ALDF director of communications Lisa Franzetta writes: "As holiday tables are being set across the nation, we at ALDF are deeply concerned that your notorious appetite could lead you down a similar path to pathology by New Year’s—which is why we’d like to offer to have you tested for hepatic lipidosis, the same liver disease from which birds fattened for foie gras suffer."

How very tender.

We should also point out that hepatic lipidosis can affect those of us (ahem) who consume far too much alcohol. Yikes. (Good idea to whip out the milk thistle this holiday season, folks.)

The Animal Legal Defense Fund also filed a legal petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture back in September asking that foie gras show a consumer warning label saying, “NOTICE: Foie gras products are derived from diseased birds." The petition is still being reviewed by the USDA.

California will ban the sale and production of foie gras in July of 2012. Offering the tasty treat on your menu could result in a $1,000 fine.

Steve Jobs Had Liver Replaced

Brock Keeling — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:03:57 GMT

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple CEO / His Holiness Steve Jobs just underwent a successful liver transplant. While initially reported back in 2004 that Jobs took leave of Apple due to a "hormone imbalance" -- a problem that can easily be cured by a case of Activa yogurt and a couple of Luna bars -- word is his (alleged) pancreatic cancer might have spread to his liver, hence the need for something as serious as an organ transplant. Much to the delight of fans and Apple investors, Jobs will be back to work at the end of June.

Shove It In: Foie Gras

Brock Keeling — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:16:38 GMT

Last week the Chicago City Council overturned its ban delicious, smooth, and flavorful foie gras. Rejoice, liver lovers! See, the process of making foie gras involves geese-fattening, which, more or less, means one has to shove food down the birds' throats. And some view the process as a bit cruel.

Anyway, a pro-ife SFGate reader writes o Michael Bauer to, well, basically tell him how righteous he and his girlfriend are. Also, he asked for his thoughts on foie gras. Bauer rebuts with a colorful image of seared foie gras with caramelized apples, shallots and cherries, explaining:

As for foie gras, when I was in Gascony a decade or so ago, I spent some time on a small farm that was fattening geese and producing foie gras, and it seemed to me the birds were humanely treated and lined up and waited patiently at feeding time. However, I have also seen the videos that show the abusive side of the practice.

It seems like if it can be done kindly--if that's possible--then this shouldn't be a debate among meat eaters. But what say you, readers? Should SF ban the savory paste that's been made since the ancient Egyptian times? Or will is set a dangerous precedent?

Bas relief of Egyptian pushing food down geese throats: Wikicommons