On Election Day, Denver voters will consider Initiated Ordinance 311, a citizen‑driven measure that seeks to ban the force‑feeding of birds and the sale of products derived from that practice, most notably foie gras. The ordinance would apply only within the city and county of Denver and would take effect on July 1, 2027.

What the measure would do

If approved, the ordinance would make it illegal to force‑feed ducks or geese for the purpose of producing foie gras and would prohibit the sale of any product created through that process. Restaurants that continue to serve foie gras after the ban could be fined up to $5,000 per violation and could even lose their city business licenses.

Impact on local eateries

Pro‑Animal Colorado estimates that roughly 15 Denver restaurants currently offer foie gras, while the Denver Gazette puts the number closer to two dozen. Those establishments would need to remove the delicacy from their menus or risk the penalties outlined above.

Denise Mickelsen, spokesperson for the Colorado Restaurant Association, warned that the ban could strain already thin profit margins. “Mandates or product bans can quickly create a slippery slope into burdensome regulations,” she wrote, emphasizing the potential impact on independent culinary creativity and cost management.

Supporters’ arguments

Animal‑rights advocates, led by Pro‑Animal Colorado, argue that the ban aligns with Denver’s broader goals of humane animal treatment, public health, and environmental stewardship. The measure’s text states that eliminating force‑fed products would reduce animal cruelty, curb unsustainable practices, and help prevent the spread of zoonotic disease.

Olivia Hammond, the group’s spokesperson, noted that Denver has no existing factories or farms that force‑feed birds, but the language would also prevent any such facilities from opening in the future.

Opposition and broader context

The Colorado Restaurant Association is the only organized opposition identified so far. In a statement, the association argued that bans on specific foods limit restaurant owners’ ability to meet consumer demand and could set a precedent for further product restrictions.

Critics outside Colorado, such as the Institute of Culinary Education in California, have framed similar bans as “hypocritical” and warned of a “slippery slope” that could eventually target other animal proteins.

Funding and signature drive

Pro‑Animal Colorado turned in more than 16,000 signatures, of which just over 11,000 were validated, to place the measure on the ballot. The campaign has raised about $138,000, with its largest donor being the Karuna Foundation, an organization focused on climate‑change mitigation.

Legal and regulatory background

Several countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Germany, already restrict force‑feeding or foie gras production. California passed a similar ban in 2004, though it has faced legal challenges.

As of September 14, no formal opposition campaign had been organized in Denver, leaving the upcoming vote as the primary arena for public debate on the issue.

What voters need to know

Voters will see the question on their ballot: “Shall the voters of the City and County of Denver adopt an ordinance prohibiting the force‑feeding of birds and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the sale of products derived from force‑feeding birds, including foie gras?” A “yes” vote enacts the ban; a “no” vote leaves the status quo unchanged.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.