Washington, D.C. – Days after District voters approved a ballot measure banning the sale of foie gras, a dispute has erupted between animal‑welfare organization Animal Outlook and Mallard, a restaurant on 14th Street in Logan Circle.

Cease‑and‑desist over advertising

Animal Outlook’s executive director, Ben Williamson, sent the restaurant a cease‑and‑desist letter alleging that its promotion of an upcoming “foie gras supper series” was misleading. The original advertisement claimed the dishes were sourced from “humanely‑raised ducks only.” Williamson said the claim does not reflect how ducks used for foie gras are raised, noting that they are confined and force‑fed multiple times a day.

Following the letter, Mallard removed the original post and replaced it with a new advertisement that omits the “humanely‑raised” language. The restaurant has not commented on the cease‑and‑desist letter or whether it will cancel the supper series.

Deadline and next steps

Animal Outlook gave Mallard until Monday at 5 p.m. to respond. While the group praised the removal of the disputed language, it is now demanding that the restaurant cancel the entire dinner series. It remains unclear whether Mallard will comply or if the organization will pursue further legal action should the event proceed.

Enforcement of the ban

The District’s foie gras ban, approved by voters by a wide margin, will take effect in July 2027. Restaurants may continue to serve the dish until that date, but the law will prohibit sales thereafter. Officials have not yet secured funding to enforce the ban, and there is uncertainty about potential legal challenges from foie gras producers that could delay implementation.

Local culinary community reacts

Celebrity chef José Andrés warned that the ban adds an unnecessary burden for restaurants, and several other chefs argued that prohibiting the ingredient stifles culinary creativity. Animal‑welfare advocates, however, view the measure as a vital step against animal cruelty and a spotlight on broader farming practices.

The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how restaurants market dishes that fall under the upcoming ban, and it underscores the tension between local culinary traditions and emerging animal‑rights legislation.

Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.