State senators have killed a measure that would have banned foie gras, a popular delicacy in French cuisine.

The bill was deferred in the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday.

Animal rights activists had sought the ban because they oppose the practice of fattening the livers of ducks and geese by force-feeding them through a metal tube or pipe placed into their throats.

But cooks and chefs said animals aren't treated cruelly. They say ducks and geese don't have a gag reflex.

California has a foie gras ban that goes into effect in 2012.