America’s food regulations can be a perplexing maze, and some foods banned in other countries find their way onto American plates without much scrutiny.
From commonplace items to more exotic fare, here are 15 surprising foods that are banned elsewhere but allowed in America.
Artificial Food Coloring
Many countries have banned artificial food coloring due to concerns about their potential health risks, particularly in children. However, in the United States, these colorful additives can still be found in a wide range of processed foods, from candies to cereals.
Ractopamine-Treated Meat
Ractopamine, a feed additive used to promote leanness in animals raised for meat, is banned in over 160 countries due to safety concerns. Despite this, it’s permitted in the United States, where it’s commonly used in pork and beef production.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
BVO, a food additive used to emulsify citrus-flavored soft drinks, is banned in Europe and Japan due to concerns over its potential negative effects on health. Nevertheless, it’s still permitted in certain beverages in the United States.
Chlorinated Chicken
In the European Union, chlorinated chicken, which refers to poultry treated with chlorine washes to kill bacteria, is banned due to food safety and animal welfare concerns. However, it’s allowed in the United States, where poultry processing is a common practice.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a chemical used in the production of certain plastics and resins. It’s banned in several countries from being used in baby bottles and sippy cups due to concerns about its potential hormone-disrupting effects. In the United States, while restrictions exist, BPA is still found in various consumer products.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
While not outright banned, many countries have strict regulations or labeling requirements for GMOs. In contrast, GMO crops are widely grown and consumed in the United States without specific labeling requirements, leading to controversy over their safety and environmental impact.
rBGH-Treated Dairy Products
Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is a synthetic hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows. It’s banned in Canada, Europe, and several other countries due to concerns about its potential health effects on both cows and humans. However, it’s still allowed in the United States.
Arsenic in Chicken Feed
Arsenic-based drugs are used in chicken feed in the United States to promote growth and control parasites. While organic arsenic compounds are used, concerns exist about their conversion to more toxic forms. Several countries have banned the use of arsenic in animal feed, but it remains legal in the US.
Potassium Bromate in Bread
Potassium bromate is a food additive that strengthens dough and improves bread texture. It’s classified as a potential carcinogen and is banned in many countries, including the EU and Canada. Despite this, it’s still permitted in the United States, albeit with certain restrictions.
Farm-Raised Salmon
In many European countries, including Norway and Scotland, antibiotics and growth hormones in farm-raised salmon are strictly regulated or banned altogether. However, farm-raised salmon in the United States may be treated with antibiotics and other chemicals.
Chlorine-Washed Salad Greens
Chlorine washing is a common practice in the United States for sanitizing salad greens, particularly bagged varieties. While American regulators consider it safe, some European countries have banned or restricted its use due to concerns over food safety and environmental impact.
Silicone Defoaming Agent in Fast Food
Silicone compounds are used as defoaming agents in producing fried fast foods like French fries and chicken nuggets. While banned in countries like the UK and Australia due to concerns about their potential health effects, they’re still permitted in the United States.
Brominated Flour in Baked Goods
Brominated flour containing potassium bromate is used to produce certain baked goods to improve dough elasticity and rise. It’s banned in many countries due to concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects. However, it’s still permitted in the United States, albeit in limited quantities.
Styrofoam Food Containers
Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, is widely used in food packaging in the United States. However, it’s banned or restricted in several cities and countries due to environmental concerns, including its environmental persistence and potential health hazards.
Plastic Straws
Although not a food item, plastic straws are still used in many restaurants and fast-food joints. These straws can quickly add to the trash problem in the United States. Banned in many other countries, people in the United States fight back against paper straws and do not want their plastic straws to go.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.