CHICAGO (AP) -- The goose liver delicacy foie gras was banned from restaurants Wednesday in a measure approved by the Chicago City Council after members decided it was inhumane to force-feed the birds.

"Our city is better for taking a stance against the cruelty of foie gras," said Alderman Joe Moore, who sponsored the ordinance.

Mayor Richard Daley opposed the measure.

"We have children getting killed by gang leaders and dope dealers. We have real issues here in this city," said Daley, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on its Web site. "Let's get some priorities."

Rich and buttery, foie gras, pronounced fwah-GRAH and French for "fat liver," often is served sliced and pan-seared, frequently with fruit or atop greens or a cut of steak or veal.

To fatten the liver of waterfowl, a tube is often inserted into their throats twice a day and partially cooked corn is pumped down the esophagus.

Several Chicago restaurateurs opposed the ban, saying they did not want politicians meddling with a product steeped in tradition.

But others had stopped serving it before the ban was approved.

California is the only state to ban the force-feeding of birds to produce the gourmet liver product, having passed a measure that would end the practice by 2012.

More than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, have banned production of the delicacy on the grounds of cruelty. But in France, foie gras has been declared "part of the cultural and gastronomic patrimony, protected in France."

3 Comments

Susan Shortell said:

I was reading the headlines, and was so very glad to see that the "gentleman" was nabbed for trying to kill "Mercy". I strongly object to him being labeled a "gentleman", because he is definitely NOT a gentleman!!!!!!!! I hope he gets what he deserves, I know God will deal with him.

April 27, 2006 9:41 AM

Heather said:

Is the Mayor kidding? He doesnt believe its right to ban a form of animal cruelty because children are being killed by gang members? Can we only focus on one issue and let all others slide? That is a very ignorant comment and I would hope it would keep him from being re-elected.

April 27, 2006 7:45 PM

Yolanda said:

Good for Joe Moore, we need compassionate people in office too. Those that can also see more than one issue on the table of politics.

April 28, 2006 8:16 AM

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