NO Foie gras is used to Make Alexian Patés
Foie gras is a controversial delicacy often mistakenly associated with goose liver and duck liver patés. It is not and never has been a part of any Alexian product.
Recently banned by the California legislature because of animal cruelty concerns, foie gras - a French term meaning "fattened liver" - is typically made by force-feeding ducks and geese. It's considered a luxury food because it has a silky, buttery texture.
People unfamiliar with the term's meaning sometimes assume all patés that include liver are made with foie gras. But in fact, the term refers only to the method in which the fattened liver is produced.
"Very few commercially produced pates are made using foie gras," explained Alexian owner Laurie Cummins. "Our company produces tons of pates and many varieties in which we use pork liver, chicken liver, turkey liver as well as duck liver and goose liver. None of the meat or the liver that we use for production is from animals that have been force fed," she added.
In addition to the force-feeding, there are health consequences of an enlarged liver. A number of countries and other jurisdictions have created laws against foie gras because of this.
Alexian's meats come from the animals that live in minimal confinement on farms whose operators are devoted to their health and safety. Further, the animals are not treated with antibiotics or growth stimulants. And, they are only fed vegetarian or grain diets, rather than re-processed animal meats.
When asked why is it important to buy from farmers who use natural methods and treat animals humanely, Cummins said being responsible and conscious is simply part of Alexian's philosophy - and therefore it's important to work only with farmers who share the same views.
"We care about the quality of our ingredients in terms of our standards for taste and performance and our standards of purity and wholesomeness as well. We care about the conservation of resources and we care about the happiness of our employees. And we strive to put our money with vendors like ourselves," she said.