HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. (AP) - An animal rights group has filed a lawsuit claiming a Hermosa Beach restaurant is ducking the state's foie gras sales ban by offering the duck liver delicacy as a complimentary side dish.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says Hot's Kitchen changed the name of its foie gras burger, but kept it on the menu and offered the foie gras for free.
The suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court accuses the restaurant of violating both the foie gras ban and California's Unfair Competition Law, which prohibits businesses from engaging in unlawful business practices.
Foie gras is made from goose or duck livers that were enlarged by force-feeding through funnel-like tubes.
Selling it has been illegal in California since July 1.
A message left for a Hot's Kitchen spokesperson was not immediately returned Wednesday.
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