The ALDF argues that the livers of force-fed ducks and geese, used to make fois gras, are diseased and therefore should not be allowed in the food supply under the federal Poultry Products Inspection Act. The USDA denied the petition, but the courts have not yet made a decision on the issue.

“Foie gras is not only the product of animal torture, but of intentionally-induced liver disease,” said Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells.

“Given the potentially serious consequences of eating this diseased organ, the government should be safeguarding the consuming public from it, not fighting to keep it in our food supply.”

The organisation linked the consumption of fois gras to a condition called 'secondary amyloidosis', citing an un-named study published by the National Academy of Sciences in 2007.