Did you know that some everyday foods in America are banned in other countries? From health concerns to cultural sensitivities, these bans raise the question: why are these foods still on our shelves, and what makes them so controversial?
1. Mountain Dew – Banned in the European Union
Mountain Dew is banned in the European Union due to the presence of BVO and high levels of sugar and caffeine.
2. Farmed Salmon – Banned in Australia and New Zealand
Farmed salmon is banned in Australia and New Zealand due to concerns about the chemicals and antibiotics used in their production.
3. Fugu (Pufferfish) – Banned in the European Union
Fugu is banned in the European Union due to its potentially deadly poison, which requires highly skilled chefs to prepare safely.
4. Raw Milk – Banned in Canada and Australia
Raw milk is banned in Canada and Australia due to health risks such as bacterial infections.
5. Haggis – Banned in the European Union
Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, is banned in the European Union because it contains sheep lung, which is considered unsafe for consumption.
6. Shark Fin – Banned in Canada and the European Union
Shark fin is banned in Canada and the European Union due to the cruel and unsustainable practice of finning.
7. Sassafras Oil – Banned in the European Union
Sassafras oil, once a common ingredient in root beer, is banned in the European Union because it contains safrole, a potential carcinogen.
8. Casu Marzu – Banned in the European Union
Casu Marzu, a Sardinian cheese infested with live maggots, is banned in the European Union due to health concerns.
9. Horse Meat – Banned in the United Kingdom
Horse meat is banned in the United Kingdom due to cultural taboos and the lack of facilities to process it.
10. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) – Banned in the European Union and Japan
BVO, an additive used in some sodas, is banned in the European Union and Japan due to health concerns.
11. Ortolan – Banned in the European Union
The ortolan, a small songbird, is banned in the European Union because its consumption is considered cruel and unsustainable.
12. Foie Gras – Banned in the United Kingdom
Foie gras is banned in the United Kingdom due to animal cruelty concerns associated with its production.
13. Silver Dragees – Banned in the European Union
Silver dragees, small metallic balls used for cake decorating, are banned in the European Union because they contain toxic heavy metals.
14. Beluga Caviar – Banned in the European Union
Beluga caviar is banned in the European Union due to the endangered status of beluga sturgeon.
15. Pig’s Blood Cake – Banned in the European Union
Pig’s blood cake is banned in the European Union due to health concerns.
16. Chlorinated Chicken – Banned in the European Union
Chlorinated chicken is banned in the European Union because of concerns over the use of chlorine washes in poultry processing.
17. Sea Turtles – Banned in Most Countries
Sea turtles are banned in most countries due to their endangered status.
18. Red Bull – Banned in France and Denmark
Red Bull is banned in France and Denmark due to health concerns over its high caffeine content and other ingredients.
19. Artificial Food Dyes – Banned in the European Union
Certain artificial food dyes are banned in the European Union due to health concerns, including links to hyperactivity in children.
20. Jelly Cups Containing Konjac – Banned in the European Union and Australia
Jelly cups containing konjac are banned in the European Union and Australia due to choking hazards.
What Are We Still Eating?
Isn’t it surprising what foods are considered too dangerous or unethical abroad but still find a place on American shelves? Maybe it’s time to rethink some of our food choices.
The post 21 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Banned in Other Countries first appeared on Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / John New.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
