The bill proposes an amendment to Title 21 of the General Laws, specifically by adding a new chapter titled "FORCE-FED POULTRY PRODUCTS." This chapter aims to regulate industries that engage in practices deemed inhumane, environmentally unsustainable, and that increase the risk of zoonotic diseases. The bill defines "force-fed poultry product" as any product resulting from force-feeding a bird, such as a duck or goose, to fatten or enlarge its liver. It also defines "force-feeding" and "sell" within the context of this chapter.
The bill prohibits any person from engaging in or hiring another to engage in force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product. It also bans the sale of any force-fed poultry product or food containing such a product in Rhode Island, including sales conducted directly, by telephone, electronically, or via the Internet. There is a rebuttable presumption that any product labeled as "foie gras" or listed as such on a menu is a force-fed poultry product, and the burden of proof lies with the party seeking to rebut this presumption. Violations of this chapter will result in a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) per violation, with each day of a continuing violation considered a separate offense. Enforcement can be carried out by peace officers, animal control officers, or the state department of health, and fines collected after deducting costs will benefit the enforcing municipality or department. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.