Poultry and Eggs · FFET10348
Beijing force-fed duck
A white domestic duck traditionally fattened by force-feeding, mainly for Beijing roast duck.
Chicken, duck, goose and other poultry, with their eggs and egg products.
Beijing force-fed duck is a white Pekin duck fattened by force-feeding for Beijing roast duck. Force-feeding is a traditional husbandry practice, and by 2021, force-fed birds were no longer widely used for roast duck, although the historical account is weakly sourced. The product recognized as a geographical indication in 2025 is Pekin duck (Beijing ya), rather than the force-feeding method; the protected area and exact scope are set out in an attachment that was not consulted.
What
Beijing force-fed duck is a white Pekin duck fattened by force-feeding for roasting. Pekin duck names the breed, while force-fed duck describes how the bird is fattened; not all Pekin ducks are force-fed.2,3
When
Accounts describe force-feeding before the 21st century, but the historical evidence is weak, with no dated primary text establishing the origin of Beijing force-fed duck. The GI announcement for Pekin duck was signed on April 1, 2025, and published on April 14; neither date establishes the origin of force-feeding.1,2
Where
These ducks are raised for Beijing roast duck. The product recognized as a geographical indication is Pekin duck (Beijing ya), but the protected-area attachment was not consulted, so the available material does not establish the specific production area.1,2
How
The traditional practice involves force-feeding ducks oat-based feed several times a day during the final 15 to 20 days of fattening, before roasting. This describes traditional husbandry; by 2021, force-fed birds were no longer widely used for roast duck.2,3
Why
Pekin ducks are white-feathered birds, and fattened birds are used for Beijing roast duck. Force-feeding is a traditional way of fattening this roasting duck.2,3
Impact and influence
Pekin duck is among 90 products granted geographical indication recognition under Announcement No. 625 of 2025. This recognizes Pekin duck and does not confer GI status on the force-feeding method.1