ALBANY, NY (AP) — New York Metropolis’s ban on the sale of foie gras, already delayed by a courtroom problem, has now been present in violation of state agricultural regulation.
The state Division of Agriculture and Markets knowledgeable metropolis officers Wednesday that the ban “unreasonably restricts” the enterprise of two upstate foie gras farms which have sued over the regulation. The ban was scheduled to take impact Nov. 25, however that was placed on maintain this fall by a state choose whereas the lawsuit proceeds.
Animal welfare advocates say the manufacturing of foie gras — the fattened liver of a duck or goose — is merciless to the birds as a result of it entails drive feeding. However Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farm stated shedding the important New York Metropolis market would jeopardize their operations and threaten jobs.
State agricultural officers discovered it “uncommon” that the town was barring the sale of a legally produced farm product “not for causes of the well being, security or welfare of its residents — however to vary animal husbandry practices occurring on farms outdoors its jurisdiction to which itobjects.”
An legal professional for the farms, Edward J. Phillips, stated the state order is a “recreation changer” for litigation, for the reason that resolution is last until the town challenges it effectively.
A metropolis regulation division spokesman stated in an e-mail that officers have been reviewing the state’s resolution “and can reply accordingly.”