Why is US milk banned in other countries

Common US foods that are banned in other countries

Common US foods that are banned in other countries

Consumers in the United States put their trust in organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture to keep packaged foods, fish, and livestock production safebut to what standards?

Many American food additives (think flame retardants and suspected carcinogens) and production standards that have been approved domestically are banned or strictly regulated abroad. This is all in addition to the U.S.'s liberal policies on genetically modified organisms, which are more restricted or banned outright in other countries as well.

What chemicals are lurking in the ingredients of some of America's favorite foods? What production practices are standardized in the United States but illegal in other parts of the world?

Click through Stacker's list to discover 30 everyday American food products with ingredients that are banned in other countries.

You may also like: What the average American eats in a year

51+ American Foods Banned in other Countries

American Foods Banned in other Countries

There are many American foods that are prohibited in other countries for many reasons, including health, safety, and ethical considerations. Many European governments have prohibited the use of synthetic hormones in cattle, which are commonly detected in American beef products. This is due to the potential harmful effects on human health and animal welfare. Furthermore, certain food additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives, which are often found in American processed foods, are prohibited or banned in several nations due to concerns about their potential link to health issues such as hyperactivity in children.

Many American food products contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are subject to rigorous regulations or outright bans in many countries across the world. Concerns over the environmental impact and long-term health implications of consuming GMOs have prompted these countries to impose strong limitations on importation and domestic manufacturing. As consumers globally become more aware of these challenges, they are looking for alternative food sources that fulfill greater safety and ethical requirements.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

Used in some citrus-flavored soft drinks, but banned in Europe and Japan owing to nervous system issues.

Genetically Modified Apples and Potatoes

GMO versions of these crops are legal in the United States but prohibited in numerous European countries.

Ractopamine in Meat

A growth promoter found in some American pork and cattle, it is prohibited in the European Union, China, and Russia.

Skittles

Skittles

While not technically prohibited, certain artificial colors included in Skittles have been linked to hyperactivity in youngsters, prompting some nations to restrict or require warning labeling.

Twinkies and Little Debbie Swiss Rolls

These snack cakes include preservatives such as BHA and BHT, which are prohibited in the EU.

Pillsbury Biscuits

Some Pillsbury products may include additives such as potassium bromate, which is banned in the EU because to concerns about its carcinogenic potential.

Artificial Food Dyes

Artificial Food Dyes

Some artificial food dyes, such as Yellow 5 and Red 40, are linked to hyperactivity in children. While not prohibited, items containing these dyes are required to bear warning labels in the EU.

Chlorine-Washed Chicken

While chlorine is used to disinfect chicken in the United States, the European Union prohibits chlorinated chicken due to food safety concerns.

Rice with Arsenic

The EU has issued warnings about elevated levels of arsenic in rice products, while the FDA in the United States has established limits but not banned them.

Azodicarbonamide (ADA)

A chemical used in some bread products that has been banned in the EU due to concerns about its degradation into a potentially carcinogenic compound.

BHA and BHT

Common preservatives in processed foods in the United States, although they are banned in some European nations due to worries about their carcinogenic potential.

Growth Hormones in Beef

The EU has outlawed hormones such as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), which are used in beef production in the United States.

Arsenic in Chicken Feed

Arsenic in Chicken Feed

While not explicitly prohibited, the EU has stronger controls on arsenic levels in animal feed, including chicken feed.

Brominated flour

It is used in various baked goods in the United States, however it is forbidden in the European Union due to concerns about its potential impact on thyroid function.

Olestra (Olean)

A fat substitute found in various snack foods in the United States, but banned in the United Kingdom and Canada due to gastrointestinal adverse effects.

rBST in Dairy Products

Recombinant bovine somatotropin, a growth hormone used in dairy cows in the United States, is banned in the European Union.

Potassium bromate

Used in some bread goods, it is banned in the EU and China due to concerns about its carcinogenic potential.

Antibiotics Banned in Fish Farming

The EU has banned some antibiotics used in US fish farming due to concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Atrazine in Herbicides

Because of environmental concerns, atrazine, which is used in herbicides in the United States, is banned in the European Union.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Although not prohibited, the EU has stronger laws regarding the use of BPA in infant bottles and other plastic products.

Pesticide Residues in Food

Some pesticides used in US agriculture have residual limits that surpass those allowed in the EU.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)

Found in some citrus-flavored soft drinks, these chemicals are banned in the EU and Japan due to health concerns.

Glyphosate in Herbicides

Glyphosate, a common herbicide, has more permissive residual restrictions in the United States than in the European Union.

Chlorpyrifos in pesticides

Although banned in the EU because to concerns about its impact on brain development, it is nevertheless used in the United States.

Neonicotinoid pesticides

Although banned in the EU because to worries about their impact on bees, they are nevertheless used in the United States.

Ractopamine in Pork

While used as a feed additive in the United States, it is banned in the European Union and China due to concerns about its influence on human health.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial Sweeteners

Certain countries have prohibited artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, due to safety concerns.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Used as preservatives in some US goods, but forbidden in the EU.

Arsenic in Chicken

While not prohibited, the FDA has set restrictions on the amount of arsenic allowed in chicken feed in the United States.

Chloramphenicol in Antibiotics

Although chloramphenicol has been banned in the EU, it is still used in some livestock antibiotics in the United States.

Ractopamine in Turkey and Beef

Although banned in the EU, China, and Russia, ractopamine is utilized as a growth enhancer in some US turkey and beef.

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) in Milk

Although banned in the EU, this growth hormone is nevertheless utilized in some dairy production in the United States.

Chlorpyrifos in Food

The EU prohibited the use of chlorpyrifos on food crops due to concerns about their effects on human health.

Bovine Insulin in Meat

Although not widely utilized, the EU prohibits the import of meat from animals treated with bovine insulin.

Perchlorate in Food

The EU has tougher limitations on perchlorate, which is found in some fertilizers and used in rocket propellants, than the United States.

Azo Food colors

Azo Food colors

Some azo colors, such as tartrazine, have been linked to hyperactivity and are banned or labeled with warnings in some European nations.

Thiamphenicol in Food manufacturing

Although thiamphenicol is banned in the EU, it is still used in some animal food manufacturing in the United States.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Testing

The United States has less strict BSE testing criteria than the European Union.

Hydrogenated Oils

While not illegal, some trans fats resulting from hydrogenated oils are limited in the EU and other nations.

Diacetyl in Popcorn Flavoring

Because of its association with respiratory problems, diacetyl is banned in the EU at specific doses.

Chlorine Chicken

Although not an ingredient, the EU prohibits the import of chicken treated with chlorine washes, which is prevalent in the United States.

Growth Hormones in Seafood

Some growth hormones used in US aquaculture are prohibited in the EU.

Oxytetracycline in Honey Production

Although this antibiotic is banned in the EU, it is nevertheless used in the United States.

Stilbenes in Grape Skins

While not prohibited, certain stilbenes used in grape cultivation in the United States are subject to tighter EU regulations.

rBGH in Cattle Feed

Although rBGH is banned in the EU, it is nevertheless used in cattle feed in the United States.

Antibiotics in Animal Feed for Growth Promotion

Despite being outlawed in the EU, several antibiotics are nevertheless used to promote growth in cattle in the United States.

Ethoxyquin in Pet Food

Ethoxyquin in Pet Food

Although ethoxyquin is banned in the EU, it is nevertheless used in some pet food in the United States.

Fosetyl-Al in Grapes

Although this fungicide has been banned in the EU, it is still used in grape production in the United States.

Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)

While not illegal, TBHQ is subject to tougher regulations in the EU.

Ractopamine in Lamb

Although banned in the EU, ractopamine is utilized in some US lamb farming.

Lindane in Pesticides

Lindane in Pesticides

Although Lindane is banned in the EU, it is still used in some pesticides in the United States.

Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite in Processed Meats

While not prohibited, the EU has tightened restrictions on these additions due to concerns about their potential health implications.

Paraquat in Herbicides

Although Paraquat is banned in the EU, it is still used in some herbicides in the United States.

23 Foods Banned Around the World

Certain foods are not to everyone's taste, but some edibles are deemed bad enough to have been banned.

Nutritional proof expert and educator Liberty Mills says there is a growing awareness among legislators relating to health, the environment and the ethical treatment of animals with the manufacture and consumption of food.

She told Newsweek: "Countries worldwide have not only their traditional foods, often native to sometimes just one area in the country, but also food favorites and food no-nos.

"Across the globe, especially in Europe, Governments and food safety bodies are getting stricter with the use of certain chemicals in the food industry.

"Research and evidence have emerged over the years to support how consumption of many added ingredients such as food colorings can have adverse and sometimes life-threatening effects on people."

Read on to learn some of the most extreme examples of foods banned around the world.

1. Genetically Modified Foods (GMO)

GMO are a controversial topic and the following countries have decided upon a total ban: France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Poland, Denmark, Malta, Slovenia, Italy and Croatia.

The nutritional proof expert said several other countries within the European Union (EU) have also chosen a partial ban on the foodstuffs over a "question mark" over the impact on human health.

2. Durian fruit

Despite its popularity in Asia, the durian, described as the world's most foul-smelling fruit, is banned from eating in public spaces and public transport in Singapore.

3. Chlorinated Chicken

Poultry washed in chlorine is banned in the U.K. and is also not allowed under European Union (EU) law.

Mills said: "The EU suggests the use of chlorine allows U.S. farmers to be careless with the welfare of the chickens and also their feed."

4. Chewing Gum

Singapore banned chewing gum back in 1992 in an attempt by the Southeast Asian state's authorities to keep the island clean in conjunction with laws against littering, spitting and graffiti.

When questioned by a reporter about implementing the chewing gum ban, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is quoted as saying: "If you can't think because you can't chew, try a banana."

5. Certain Fat-Free Products, like Fat-Free Chips

Although commonly available in the U.S., certain fat-free products containing the oil substitute Olestra are banned in Europe and Canada.

This chemical has been linked with inhibiting the body's ability to absorb vitamins.

Mills said: "It's also linked to diarrhoea, cramps and gut microbiome issues. With the information of the Vagus Nerve and the Gut-Brain axis, we know a happy belly is a happy mind."

6. Bushmeat

Bushmeat is derived from wildlife, including from animals such as bats, monkeys, rats and snakes.

While bushmeat is eaten widely in western and Central Africa, this flesh is banned in many countries, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging other countries to follow suit, as this is linked with spreading disease.

Mills told Newsweek: "There is also a negative conversational impact from this type of hunting."

7. Certain Fast Foods such as Kebabs

Venice has placed a ban on certain fried food businesses in the belief they lower the cultural tone and decorum of their cities.

Paola Mar, the city's tourism chief, said: "We want to put the brakes on types of activities which are not compatible with the preservation and development of Venice's cultural heritage."

And even the consumption of takeaway food in the iconic St Mark's Square is prohibited, with eating at a table outside only allowed.

8. Raw Milk

While some people hail the nutritional benefits of raw milk, the product is banned in Canada and some states in the U.S.

This is due to concerns of raw milk being an unpasteurized product, which studies have liked with E coli, listeria and salmonella poisoning.

9. Fugu

Fugu is a highly poisonous blowfish found in Japan and is prized as a culinary delicacy there and in Korea, once it is carefully prepared by a dedicated chef.

A typical Fugu fish, which can cost approximately $200, can if not properly prepared, cause partial paralysis and even death from asphyxiation.

10. Casu Marzu

This cheese, which is prized as a popular delicacy in Sardinia, is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Casu Marzu is made by injecting Pecorino with fly larva, which then digest the cheese and consequently accelerates the level of fermentation.

Connoisseurs even recommend people consume the controversial cheese with the maggots still intact inside.

But because this lava is unable to be digested by the human digestive system, Casu Marzo is banned in the U.S. and the European Food Safety Authority.

11. Haggis

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's liver, lungs, heart, onions, oats and suet and then cooked inside the animal's stomach.

However, Scottish haggis imports to the States have reportedly been prohibited since 1971, owing to the U.S. Department of Agriculture ruling that "livestock lungs shall not be saved for use as human food."

12. Irn Bru

This soft drink, once dubbed in an advertising campaign as "Scotland's Other National Drink," is banned in Canada in its original formula.

This is due to Irn Bru containing coloring agent Ponceau Red 4R, which has been linked with triggering reactive responses in people with allergies to aspirin and aggravating existing asthma problems.

And this artificial coloring is additionally considered to be a carcinogenic substance in other countries.

13. Marmite

This yeast spread with the "Love It or Hate it" slogan is banned i Denmark due to it being fortified with added vitamins and minerals.

14. Shark Fin

Shark Fin is a controversial dish banned in most of the world except certain countries in Asia.

This expensive dish is banned is due to the highly distressing process of removing the fin from the shark.

Once captured, the shark has its fin removed while alive, before being thrown back in the sea to die.

15. Rare Burgers

While many people prefer their steak served rare, diners in New Zealand and parts of the U.K. are banned from having their burgers cooked in the same manner.

This is due to concerns over the potential levels of bacteria.

16. M&M's

The hugely popular button-shaped chocolate treat is banned in Sweden due to M&M's similarity in logo and product to the Marabou sweet treat sold in the Scandinavian country.

17. Black Pudding

This traditional British breakfast sausage is made from pig blood, fat, oats or barley.

However, black pudding, and other so-called "blood cakes" from around the world such as Taiwan's ti-hoeh-koe, are banned in the U.S.

18. Certain Varieties of French Fries

This is due to the chemical called azodicarbonamide, also used in some bread to prolong its shelf life.

Foodstuffs containing this chemical compound are banned in Austria, Singapore and the U.K. over concerns it can affect people with asthma.

Preparing foods with azodicarbonamide in Singapore can result in a significant fine and even a prison sentence.

19. The British Penguin Bar

The seemingly harmless chocolate biscuit particularly popular in Britain is banned in Canada due to the Penguin Bar containing added vitamins and minerals.

20. Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew is the American soft drink banned in Japan and parts of Europe because it until recently contained a flame retardant.

Consumption and exposure to flame retardants are linked in studies to affecting Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, memory loss and nerve issues.

21. Fruit Loops

Breakfast staple Fruit Loops is the go-to cereal for many people in the U.S., but a bowl of this food is banned in Norway, France, Finland and Austria.

This is due to the relatively high quantities of artificial colors, which scientific studies have linked with the inhibition of cell development.

22. Coffee Mate

This popular lactose-free coffee whitener is banned in Denmark and Norway, Iceland and Hungary, as these countries contain partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils; trans-fats linked to heart disease.

23. Horse Meat

Horse meat is a much-loved delicacy in Italy, in particular Sicily, and is used in dishes to replace veal and beef.

Horse meat is, however, banned in the U.K. and the U.S. for ethical reasons.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.