NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Foie gras may be a French delicacy, but you won't be able to order it in a New York City restaurant if a local legislator gets her way.
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City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera (D-Lower Manhattan) called the production process for fattening the geese and ducks egregious. She said it's been tolerated for far too long.
"[Foie Gras] is not part of the diet of everyday New Yorkers," Rivera said. "Less than 1 percent of all New York City restaurants serve it. This is truly a luxury item."
The term 'foie gras' means fatty liver. The birds are force fed through tubes stuck down their throats. Animal rights activists say the process is painful and inhumane.
Those caught violating the law could be hit with a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
Speaking anonymously to the New York Post two French restaurateurs who said the law was unfair to their businesses.
"It's a popular seller — so, sure, I would hate to take it off the menu," said one restaurateur. "Too much government interference."
Council Speaker Corey Johnson said he's still reviewing the bill.
Last month, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to a fois gras ban in California.
